Wanted: A Money Mentor
I have done some research and have found 5 great questions to help me find the perfect candidate to fill this super-important position. If you’re looking for a money mentor, you might want to consider asking these 5 questions, too.
For a couple of months now, I’ve been sharing my experience of fighting my own personal WAR ON DEBT: I’ve created a budget. I’ve gone through my bank statements and found out exactly where the bulk of my money goes. I’ve cut the FAT out of my spending. I continue to keep an eye out for those silly spending habits that try to sneak their way back into my life. I’ve had good months and I’ve had some not-so-good months. But even the not-so-good months are much better than those months when I wasn’t focusing on my debt at all.
However, I’ve realized one thing that I’m missing: I think I could really use a mentor. Specifically, a Money Mentor.
Mentorship is an amazing thing. I love the way Dani describes it:
No matter what kind of experience you’re having, there is someone out there that can be a guiding light for you.
That person (or people) is your mentor.
That is the person that can help you make life your most successful experience ever. You can have one mentor, or you can have many. Remember, no one is good at everything, so it is wise to diversify the guidance you receive.
So, on my quest for a money mentor, I have done some research and have found 5 great questions to help me find the perfect candidate to fill this super-important position. If you’re looking for a money mentor, you might want to consider asking these 5 questions, too:
- Who do I already know?
I’m going through my personal contact list, combing through my LinkedIn contacts, and considering my friends (or even friends of friends) who might make a good money mentor. And if I don’t think someone I already know can be my money mentor, I’ll ask someone I trust who they recommend. - Can the person I’m considering as my Money Mentor actually teach not just tell?
In finding a mentor, whether it’s for money or career or anything in between, I want someone who is eager to teach me — not just tell me what I should be doing. Because I know myself really well. If the person I select just wants to show me what they’re doing that works for them and not teach me why it works, the chances are really good that I’ll either tune out pretty quickly or just forget what they said. I really like this quote from Benjamin Franklin: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” - Does my Money Mentor identify with my goals?
I want to find someone who has walked a mile in my shoes. Someone who has never struggled with budgeting or debt could be a great mentor for someone, just not me. My money mentor needs to understand how it feels to be in debt as well as how it feels to finally be debt-free. - Can my Money Mentor focus?
I get it – everybody is busy. We’re all pulled in a bunch of different directions. But if my money mentor can’t untether from the ever-present mobile phone or smart watch during the times we’re working together, they’re not for me. I am looking for someone who is interested in helping me grow. Someone who wants to listen intently and be present with me – not distracted by other things. - Is my Money Mentor ethical?
There are two things my money mentor MUST have: character and integrity. Sure, I’d like to wipe out my debt super-fast. And I’m sure there are plenty of “get rich quick” schemes out there. But that’s not what will help me reach my goal of long-term financial success. I want someone who knows what it means to leave a positive financial legacy. Someone who has a similar value system. Someone who can teach me about true-wealth building, not just how to get rich.
So, there it is. Yes, it’s a tall order to fill and it should be. Something this important should take careful consideration.