Principles in Action #2 : Accountability and Friends Can Save Your Finances

This is the second post in the principles in action series that will illuminate a practical application of a positive life principal. The first in the series addressed treating others like they have value.

The advertisement @ the Clever Dude was about the 100th time I had been bombarded with the free $250 for opening an American Express Business Rewards Gold Card offer, and I was finally ready to give in and get the money. I usually stay away from signing up for credit card schemes or opening a new savings account at every bank with a good intro offer. I just don’t think these schemes are usually worth the stress, effort, hassle, and most importantly they rob my attention from tasks that I deem more valuable to our overall health and wealth. That offer didn’t fit into our financial plan when we were getting out of debt and still doesn’t, but my resolve was finally beaten down past the point I could handle.

Over dinner I mentioned the offer to The Happy Rockette and asked her opinion. She politely said, don’t worry about it. It wasn’t our style, and her resolve wasn’t waning. She knew our plan and our values, and this wasn’t part of it. Two seconds after hearing that, I snapped back to reality and said ‘you’re right, what was I thinking’. The blinders had lifted, and I was back on track.

The principle here is to involve yourself with people in your life who will keep you accountable. People who will gracefully smack you around, and say you are being silly when they know you have lost your way. During the long haul of climbing out of debt, this is an utter necessity. You will lose focus and self control. At some point life will undoubtedly give you more than you can handle. The trick is to admit ahead of time and plan for it. Start building that support network now.