When Family Matters Need Everyone’s Input

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

A Problem Aired is a Problem Shared: When Family Matters Need Everyone’s Input

We all make decisions on a daily basis, most of them minor scenarios such as what to eat for lunch, but every now and again you need to reach a decision that could be potentially life-changing or require a major financial commitment.

Deciding whether to buy a car like Chrysler 200 might not require too much consulting or persuasion, but when it comes to a major family matter, it is normally a good idea to seek everyone’s input on the subject.

A problem shared

The saying that “a problem aired is a problem shared”, certainly rings true for many of us who might otherwise carry the burden of a particular issue, but are normally relieved to get valuable input on the problem from family members.

This shared decision process is particularly useful when it involves trying to make a decision that involves aspects surround personal values or maybe hinges on a moral dilemma.

Health issues are a case in point. There definitely comes a point where the advice of a health professional on what is your best course of action regarding a diagnosis, almost loses a certain amount of relevance, as you weigh up what you want to do in response to what you have just been told.

You may have strong religious values or moral grounds that prevent you from accepting the offer of treatment that you need, or you might just decide that your immediate quality life takes precedence.

Weighing up a what to do in light of a negative or worrying medical prognosis, is one prime example of where it is often important to share the load and discuss your options with your family and see what they think you should do.

It is ultimately your decision to make of course, but many people feel that sharing their problem does help them to deal with the issue more effectively and with hopefully a lesser level of stress and anxiety.

Talking about money

Money can often be a deeply personal and private matter but there are plenty of examples where it often pays to open up and talk about financial matters with your family.

A number of financial advisers suggest that by talking openly about money with your children, even when they are very young, can definitely help to instil a healthy respect for money and teach them the basics of budgeting at an early age.

Discussing with your family what your plans are regarding your will and how you want your money to be distributed and used when you are gone, is another important conversation that far too many families simply don’t have soon enough, or at all.

Being open about financial matters with your kids, can often give them the confidence to handle their own transactions more competently and will often lead to them becoming more financially savvy, if they have received regular guidance and discussions about all aspects of money with their parents.

Whether you are talking about health or financial matters, there is certainly merit in airing and sharing your problems with your family, in your search for a solution or to seek a second opinion.

Faith Todd works as a personal finance consultant and comes from a large family, she is one of five girls, and also has twin brothers – Perhaps that is why she finds herself living in a remote area, enjoying nature every day!