Financial DNA - Discovering Your Unique Financial Personality for a Quality Life

Do you want greater family unity, and hence greater family harmony, wealth and ultimately a quality life? If yes, the key then is to start planning a family meeting and hopefully make it an annual event. Remember, every family has some level of dysfunction so you need to realize that but not let it deter you from having a meeting.

One of the questions I am often asked is does birth order influence your behavioral style?

Well, based on the research we have performed, birth order does not influence your natural behavior.

Recent research into the human mind has found that the secret to success in any long-term endeavor, whether it be in business, relationships or investing, is an attribute called ‘Emotional Intelligence’ (otherwise known as ‘EQ’). EQ is a type of intelligence that’s significantly different to the standard IQ-based definition of ‘smart’ we’re all used to.

The topic of ‘EQ’ has received significant coverage in the business world in the last few years, fueled in particular by Daniel Goleman’s books which are aimed at helping business people use the skill to further their careers and effectiveness.

Life purpose discovery is difficult and in many ways a journey in its own right. However, the process of discovery does become easier if a process is followed and you have a way of thinking about it.

I recently read a great book on life purpose, and by chance today found out that Oprah is currently doing a series on it. The book is "A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle.

The topic of money is missing from the coaching agenda full-stop. Why? Talking about money can be a very emotionally charged issue for both the leader and the consultant/coach. Many people are, when it gets down to it, mystified by money and the power of its impact.

Last night I was called by a family friend (for the sake of the innocent Amy) who was being pushed by an advisor to make a major decision in regard to transferring her retirement savings account. Why was Amy asking me the question...?

Many financial decisions are a reflection of your life and behavior. Key to finding balance is helping the client objectively understand their inherent strengths and struggles based on who they uniquely are, and then their preferences. So, the balance will be different depending on our different behavioral styles.

My approach in working with client's has been to fairly early on in the conversation ask them: What are you passionate about? I have found this to be a very powerful question in finding out where their life is at and where they want to go. This is so important if you are helping someone set their goals and direction. I do not really believe you can do financial planning for a person without knowing their passion because it is so fundamental to their life. Having clarity of your passions regardless of what they are means you can make decisions with confidence and commitment.

What sets a truly great individual apart from others is often found in their ongoing commitment to growth and personal development. An important step for business leaders, financial advisors or any person seeking to get to the next level in their life and career is being prepared to be coached or mentored. By experiencing coaching or mentoring you will also become better equipped to guide others to success and building a quality life.

During a recent Wealth Mentor Training with a group of financial advisors we were discussing our definitions of a “Quality Life”. A number of advisors made a very key observation: Is there such a concept as a balanced life? Can a person really have balance? This discussion really hit a chord with me as this point really gets to the core of what the Financial DNA program is all about.