Regular Wealth Pilgrim visitors know that I am home with my middle daughter while the rest of my family is out of town.

Yesterday, we decided that it would be a good idea to try  surfing even though we had never done it before.  Although neither one of us were able to “hang ten” ….or even stand up on the board….we had a blast.  If you ever have the opportunity to give surfing a try, I highly recommend it.   It’s “totally rad dude!”

Our approach to surfing was similar to the approach I suggest you take in running your financial life:

1.  Set clear goals.

Our main objective was to give surfing a try and just have fun.  We had no other expectations.  Being clear on our goals was important because it helped frame the outcome.  Since we had no illusion of becoming surfing masters, we were very relaxed. We were able to laugh at each other (ok….most of the time was spent laughing at me….) and just have fun.  We didn’t have any deadlines to worry about.  Once in awhile I derided myself for not doing better, but then I wised up.  I remembered what my goals were and had another well deserved laugh at myself.

Are you clear on your goals?

2.  Determine what tools are required.

This was easy.  We needed an ocean, surf boards and wet suits.

We live 25 minutes from the beach so we were pretty sure we could handle the first requirement.  We borrowed surf boards and wet suits from friends.  So far, very frugal and very fun.

Are you clear on what tools you need to achieve your financial goals?

3.  Get help.

In order to make our surfing outing fun, we knew we would need instruction.  I asked my buddy Tom to come out and teach us how to “hit those 4 foot swells”.  He was only too happy to help.  First, he explained how to get into the wet suits.  (By the way, if you ever see a 52 year old trying desperately to fit his large girth into a tight wet suit…please don’t laugh.   It could be yours truly.)

Tom gave us warm-up exercises and finally led us out into the water.

We had a wonderful time – even Tom.  He told me that he appreciated the opportunity to be helpful.  While I don’t plan on burdening Tom with weekly requests for lessons, we will join Tom again and I’m convinced it will be a win-win for everybody.

Have you asked for help in achieving your financial goals?  Have you identified an accountability partner yet?  Are you willing to ask?  If somebody asked you for help, how would you feel about it?  Can you see that by asking for help, you might be doing someone else a good turn?

I have lots more to share but I need to go wax my board…..  Later dude…..

WEEKLY ROUNDUP

Oblivious Investor tells us how to be a successful investor.

Cash Money Life talks about his new child and starting their child off on the right path.

Frugal Dad tells you how to spend money before you earn it.

Get Rich Slowly tells us how to buy a mattress. I found this a difficult process and wish I’d read this a year ago.

Gen X is polling readers on how you are coping with the recession.  How would you answer?

Moolanomy warns us about loan modification scams – Editors Choice.

Weakonomics discussed four features missing from your retirement accounts.  Ouch…I wish I’d written this one….

Five Cent Nickel tells us how to ignore the noise. A good article.

The Simple Dollar has a very nice article on honesty and money.

Liz Weston discusses long-term care.  A good expose.

I love writing my blog and Free Money Finance talks about how to grow your career using a blog.

Matt over at DFA walks about One World…One Currency……..an important and well-written article.

Like this article? You will love getting my free brilliant financial updates! No spam, and I won't give your email address to any other person or company.That's a personal promise. Neal Frankle, Certified Financial Planner, Los Angeles, California

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