Communicate!

I recently made a follow-up inquiry. You know what I mean. I had sent an initial inquiry but never heard back. The receiver of my inquiry failed to communicate. I would rather get a negative response than no response at all. How can you just not respond?

I have found that poor communication is common in our world today. A good friend of mine says, "Most people just aren't good at communicating." I later realized he was not commenting on the quality of their communication. He was saying that most people today aren't good at initiating communication (or responding) - keeping those who need to know informed. They simply don't do it.

My wife and I have found this to be true when we host an event. We used to plainly ask for an RSVP. The response rate was in the 10% range. Poor. Like my friend says - most people just don't communicate well. It was very difficult to plan for the event not knowing whether to expect 2 people or 20.

I have a lot of room to grow here, too. Keeping everyone informed sometimes seems unnecessary and takes some time. But people need to know. People need communication.

One of the important keys to winning with money is communication.

You might be way behind on a bill and are avoiding calls from the creditor. Communicate! Better yet, be proactive. You often know there is trouble coming before they do. Let them know. Will it solve the problem? Not likely, but it demonstrates good faith, strength of character, and is always better than ignoring them. Sometimes they can work with you - especially if you have initiated. Make the phone call today.

Maybe you can't seem to get traction in the monthly finances. "You spent what!?" Are you communicating with your spouse? Most divorces are said to result from money fights - a form of poor communication. But you should be able to have regular, constructive and open dialogue between spouses about this important area of life. Sit down tonight after the kids are in bed, hold his/her hands, look into their eyes and explain that this is an important area for the two of you to get together. To do that you have to start talking about it.

Maybe everything is fine but you occasionally wonder what would happen if something happened... Could your spouse manage without you? Do they even know the state of your financial affairs? Gather the important documents, write down helpful information and thoughts, put it all in a file and share this with your spouse. Talk about how to manage the money, who the advisors are, what you have, etc. Include your spouse in decision-making and meetings with the advisors, etc. By the way, if you don't already have one, get a will (or make sure the old one is current). The will is an important form of communication that keeps the State largely out of your affairs when you die. If you don't know where to start, try http://www.uslegalforms.com. Have you done some estate planning? Hold a family meeting and lay out the general plan.

If you are not married, a trusted accountability partner is a great person with whom to communicate about these things.

There are many other areas of important communication about finances but this should get the wheels turning.

We can all improve our communication. The important thing is to communicate. Start today. Let your supervisor know where you are on that project. Tell an important person what they mean to you. Respond to that email you have been procrastinating. Oh yes, and always RSVP!