John is an imaginery friend who is successful by most measures.  He has a great job, makes a lot of money and has all the skills he needs to continue to climb the corporate ladder.  He has dreams, even, of someday, buying his own business.  He has an MBA, but has added experience to that education…experience in real world jobs, with real pressures, and has performed at a very high level.  His post-college mentor told him right after college, that advancement was contingent on his career skill development and on how he applied those learned skills.  Seemingly, that advice has worked.

Then, why is John always in debt?  Each year he makes more and more, yet he can’t seem to get ahead.  He is frustrated and worries too much.  But he did exactly what he was supposed to do.  Or did he?

Back in the day, yes.  But he has a problem that confronts each generation, and it might even be getting worse.

He does not understand his own personal financial life.  Tragically, many people now in the workforce will face the same situation.  No matter how successful you are in your career, you must pay attention to your own financial situation, your credit standing, your savings plan.  And, even more important, your own spending plan.

If you don’t come to grips with this part of your life NOW, you will continue to advance your own career, only to see any gains being wiped out by your own lack of attention and abilities.  Now is the time to stop believing that doing better work and getting constant raises is all you need to get to financial heaven.  I don’t want to lecture you on what to do.  You are a grown up, you figure it out.  I am only saying that personal financial skills cannot be ignored.

Do some studying now and get it right.  Don’t get started with bad habits.

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