January 9, 2009
Written by: Debra K Kunz, MBA, CSLP*
The tale of the financial markets collapse continues with the news of yet another suicide. Another man took his own life due to the collapse of his finances. What about his soul? What about his family? Why are we pre‐disposed to define ourselves based on our bank accounts… our cars… homes… our net worth?
It seems counterproductive to define our own self worth based on something that should be used as a tool to provide for our life, and not define our life.
Perhaps we can learn about life and money from their tragic deaths. Maybe the reason so many people get caught in the trap of defining themselves by what they have, versus who they are, is because they haven’t taken the time to discover the answer. I call that living by default, and not by intention.
When you define what you want your life to be, and take some time to develop a life strategy or plan, your focus changes. You become someone who chooses your life and makes deliberate decisions, versus reacting to things around you. Granted, you can have all the plans you want, and won’t be able to control everything around you.
Though with a plan, and the unexpected happens, it gives you direction that’s focused on your priorities, and becomes a filter for better decision making. Of course, money must be part of the plan, though it shouldn’t be the plan.
Regarding the investments of these men, my biggest question is, “What was driving their investment decisions, greed or reason?” There is no better time than now to understand why diversification in your portfolio is important. Granted, the severity of this particular financial situation hasn’t been seen since the 1930’s, and there is nowhere to hide. However, if you are well diversified, and make investment decisions based on risk tolerance appropriate for your goals, then ride the wave. It will eventually smooth out and grow again.
May this experience inspire you to redefine your own value and have a prosperous new year personally, professionally and financially. More importantly, may you understand how to integrate those pieces together and define yourself beyond your money.
For more information call Debra Kunz at 913‐897‐2074 or email dkunz@iia-kc.com.
*CSLP Certified Strategic Life Planner
