Welcome to “The Problem with Money!”

Hi, I’m Jane Honeck.  I’ve been a CPA for over thirty years working with clients on tax and financial issues.  And, during those years I’ve been told that I’m not your typical accountant – I’ve even been called a psycho-accountant (no I’m not crazy).  And, I’m proud of that because I’d hate to think I’m the stereotypical accountant – boring, lifeless with no personality.  Did you ever wonder why there aren’t any accountant jokes?  Because there is nothing funny about an accountant – and they are just too boring to bother with!

Seriously though, money doesn’t have to be a dry, boring topic.  Because the truth is, the problem with money is not about the money.  Instead, it’s about the beliefs and values that drive the way we deal with money.  And, exploring those beliefs and values is about people – and people never are boring!

I remember working with a young couple years ago who wanted to clear up their overwhelming credit card debt.  I taught John and Sharon all about credit card debt; about interest rates and about the tools they could use to pay off this debt.  I reviewed their budget to help them make wise spending decisions.  They left my office fully committed to making the changes needed to get out from under the debt.

And, 10 years later, they were back – not with the hoped for “problem” of how to invest their excess money.  No, they were back with the same problem – only this time the credit card debt had grown to keep up with their increasing income.  I knew then that the problem with money was not about the money!  It was clear that just talking about the mechanics of finances wasn’t enough.  Left brain solutions weren’t going to solve the problem. 

So, this blog is going to be about unearthing the beliefs and values that keep us stuck and prevent us from reaching our financial goals.  And, we won’t be looking at this from only a personal perspective; we’ll also be looking at it from a business, national and world perspective.  Because needless to say, we are today’s financial mess together and together we can turn this around. 

So, stay tuned – I promise you won’t be bored – and if you find you are – let me know – I may have slipped into that accountant role (you know the one I mean).  I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments.  Because together, I know we can figure this one out!

It’s a beautiful, sunny day in Kewaskum, Wisconsin where I’m spending 6 days as caregiver for my 91 year-old Mom.  She’s napping right now.  Life is good. . . .

Jane