My grandfather used to say something like, "When money stops coming through the door, love goes out the window."  Now, that may seem a touch cynical, but just try having money issues in your own household and you will see what a strain it puts on a relationship.  Professional Marriage Counselors will tell you that money issues is one of the biggest strains on a relationship.  Personally, I view financial stability and wealth planning that is integrated into an overall family life plan as a critical leg of balance right up there with spirituality, mutual respect, and proper rearing of children.

I have to admit, I get frustrated sometimes being called a Mortgage Lender.  My industry has done a great job of degrading itself through a failure of professionalism and expertise to the point where most consumers see little value in our services.  And, unfortunately, too many people in my profession deserve the reputation.

I am on a mission to educate even those who believe that they are competent enough to determine their own home financing needs.  Without being arrogant, I view my ability on a level par with a lawyer or doctor.  Who, in their right mind, would get advice from either of those two professionals and then turn around and say, "No, that really wasn't a good recommendation.  I think I'll diagnose myself"? 

For personal financial success, people should rarely attempt to go it alone.  I am currently planning a financial venture of my own and I am in the process of surrounding myself with a team of professionals to help ensure my success.  For financial success, the team should include a Financial Planner, an Accountant, an Estate Planning Attorney, and, for a typical consumer, a competent Mortgage Planning Professional.  (In my case, I will use someone other than myself for that - it's the old "He who acts as his own lawyer has a fool for a client mentality.)  In my venture, my team will also include a Building Contractor, a Structural Engineer, a Realtor®, an Electrician, a Plumber, and an Equity Investment Partner.

No doubt there will be an expense associated with utilizing such a team, however, such a team should more than pay for itself in the financial success I expect to see.  It's sort of the "you get what you pay for" mentality.  And the partners selected will NOT be based on price!  I have, for example, seen people who use "institutional" Financial Professionals and, you know what, the results they got are in line with what they paid.  I would rather pay $1,000 extra for a highly professional Financial Planner who, as a result, creates an incremental $50,000 in wealth for me.

For your financial well-being, surround yourself with a team of professionals.  You will find that the benefits you receive as a result will go a long way to keeping "money coming through the door" and will add much to your overall happiness in life.  Money may not buy happiness, but it sure does act as a great hedge against unhappiness!

If you live in the Metro Denver Area, Douglas County, or Castle Rock, Colorado, and ever need a referral for a good partner, please contact me.  My relationships with the type of individuals mentioned above are hand-selected and have been very carefully obtained based upon knowledge, expertise, and past results.

Greg Polashock is a Real Estate Home Mortgage Loan Consultant and Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist with Cherry Creek Mortgage and resides in Castle Rock, Colorado.  He can be reached via email at Greg@GregIsFinancingSolutions.com, by phone at 303-887-0672 or on the web at http://www.gregisfinancingsolutions.com/.