I received an email from Jonathan Clements, former personal finances columnist at the Wall Street Journal and currently owner of the Humble Dollar newsletter. Jonathan has published a new book entitled "From Here to Financial Happiness". Jonathan's says the goal of his book is to take us to a place where we need to "eschew snap decisions and instead take the time to ponder key questions, so we build the financial life we truly want." He also says "The book takes readers on a 77-day journey that helps them figure out where they stand, what they want and what steps they ought to take."
To do the things we want to do in life it is necessary for us each to come to grips with our finances. In his book Jonathan asks a lot of questions and provides an opportunity to reflect on the answers.
Jonathan asks "Consider these 31 questions—all of which are drawn from my new book:
- If money were no object, what would you change about your life?
- What are your top financial worries?
- What are the three smartest financial moves you’ve ever made?
- What do you consider your three biggest financial mistakes?
- How much financial help should you give a child?
- When in your life were you happiest, what made it a happy time—and what role, if any, did money play?
- What’s the minimum amount of money you need each month to keep your financial life afloat?
- If you were out of work, how long could you cover expenses before having to take drastic financial steps?
- What did you learn about money from your parents—and which of these beliefs have you adopted as your own?
- Think of three people you know who are in great financial shape. What have been the keys to their financial success?
- Is it important to you to drive a nice car and, if so, why?
- In the typical week, which moments do you enjoy the most—and which do you dislike the most?
- Is getting rich one of your overriding life goals?
- Think about your weaknesses. Are they acceptable human failings—or are they inflicting major damage, including major financial damage?
- Who depends on you financially—and how would they cope if you suffered an untimely demise?
- When is it okay to go into debt?
- Think about your life’s major expenditures, like buying homes, purchasing cars, remodeling projects, expensive vacations and paying for college. Which are most likely to make you smile and which ones disappointed you?
- What’s on your wish list for major expenditures in the years ahead?
- Do you believe a home is a good investment? Why?
- What’s your net worth—the value of everything you own, minus all debt?
- Does your stock-bond mix reflect your paycheck or lack thereof?
- Imagine your perfect retirement day. How would you spend it—and would you be happy doing these things every day for the rest of your life?
- Are there children—either your own or somebody else’s—whom you’d like to help financially, and what sort of assistance would you like to provide?
- In late 2008 and early 2009, did you buy stocks, sell or sit tight?
- How much do you pay in investment costs each year?
- If you weren’t burdened by the knowledge of what you hold, what you sold and how markets have fared, would you own your current portfolio?
- If you take your bonds and other interest-paying investments, and subtract all your debts, what’s your net bond position?
- Are you on track to have all debt paid off by retirement?
- If you died tomorrow, would you bequeath a mess?
- When was the last time you talked honestly about your finances with somebody?
- If you were writing your own obituary, what accomplishments would you include? In the years ahead, what further accomplishments would you like to add?"
