DIY or Money Mentor?

HOW TO BECOME AN INVESTORGETIC®: PASSIONATE ABOUT INVESTING SERIES: PART 10

Before I start this blog, I want to make sure you know what an Investorgetic® is. An Investorgetic® is a persona I created while writing Money Intelligence to counter the Consumerholic persona in our society. It's a term I coined that's made up of 2 words: investor and energetic. It means someone who is passionate about investing to build their wealth in a sustainable way. 

Your wealth needs more than a DIY approach

Taking control of your wealth is one thing; doing it on your own is another matter entirely. Yet so many people create a new financial plan for themselves without any advice or guidance.

If you’re a DIY kind of person, let me ask you this: Do you have the time to research all your investment and insurance options? Would you be able to look at your financial situation objectively? Could you crunch the numbers? Navigate tax laws? AND work your day job?   

Probably not. Most people are simply too busy!

The finance industry is complicated. While I encourage you to take a hands-on approach to investing and building your wealth, you cannot do it alone. You need an expert. Someone who will not only advise you, but guide you, listen to you and understand you.

You need a Money Mentor.

What is a Money Mentor?

A Money Mentor is more than just a financial authority. It is someone who has your best interests at heart and genuinely wants to see you succeed. Empathy, creativity and integrity are at the heart of everything they do.

A Money Mentor is an expert who:

1.  Is focused on long-term, not short-term, gain. 

2. Puts their client’s interests first.

3. Is genuinely interested in their client and feels rewarded by their success.

4. Works hard to understand their client’s underlying issues and needs.

5. Is reliable, credible and does what they say they will do.

6. Connects emotionally with their client.

7. Thinks outside the box.

8. Walks their talk and would never advise their client to do anything they have not done (eg. invest or build a business).

Money Mentors are caring and compassionate. Quick fixes and one-size-fits-all approaches are not their style. They think laterally to produce the best possible financial strategy for your unique situation.

A Money Mentor gives you the full picture

Often, people think they have a clear understanding of their financial situation, but they don’t. They are blinded by their money habits, assumptions and entrenched societal values.

A Money Mentor helps you gain full awareness of your true financial standing. They are perceptive, exceptional listeners, and ask important questions that uncover the truth. A Money Mentor can show you exactly what you need to change so you can reach your money goals.  

Your relationship must be built on trust

Like any relationship, trust is vital. If you cannot trust your Money Mentor, or if you are not completely honest with them, neither of you will reach your full potential.

You must feel that you can be open and honest with your Money Mentor. If you can’t discuss certain issues or if you hide secret expenses, your Money Mentor won’t have a full understanding of your financial position. They will be unable to help you become financially liberated.

You must feel comfortable with your Money Mentor. Before deciding to work with one, ask yourself:

·      Does he/she make you feel you can trust them?

·      Does he/she speak nicely to you and never put you down? 

·      Does he/she look you in the eye while talking to you?

·      Does he/she give you advice that is independent, practical and makes sense?

·      Does he/she talk in a language you understand without financial jargon?

·      Is he/she down to earth and approachable?

Remember, your relationship with your Money Mentor should be one of collaboration. You must feel safe with your Money Mentor and know that they are walking your prosperity path with you; yet, ultimately, you must be the one in control. Your future success is in your hands.

Stay tuned next week for the key (and surprisingly simple!) ingredient to achieving your long-term financial goals.