In good financial times, having your financial house in order is smart.
In tight financial times, it's essential.
That's the message Real Estate Solutions stresses to its workers, and not just about the company's finances, but about their own.
How to create wealth
"Creating wealth is different than just having a job. It's like a diet. Everyone wants a quick-fix diet fad, and really, what works is to eat less and exercise more. It's the same with finance. You need to consume less than you produce. It's that simple." - Dave Smith
And it backs up the advice by offering financial-planning training to everyone in the company.
The real-estate brokerage company began the program in 1992.
"We're saying to agents, 'Look at how we run the company,'" managing member Dave Smith said. "By extension we say, 'Now take this model to your home and think about how you want to apply it to your home budget.' Most people don't think about it that much, in that detail, and they should."
The advice is pretty simple, really. Keep track of how much you make, how much you spend on bills and other expenses, and save a set amount each month.
The advice helps associates feel in control of their finances and less stressed, which means better service for clients, which in turn helps the company, Smith said.
"If they're happier and their clients are happier, it's better for the organization," Smith said.
Sue Jackowski uses the extra money she's accumulated to go on two cruises a year and to work out with a personal trainer. 
"Before I started doing this I didn't know where I was or how much I had," she said. "Then over the years my savings just seemed to grow."
No matter what the economic climate, this kind of planning, which is rare, should be more prevalent. People are relying on retirements and Social Security, and we're finding out that people are not prepared. They're just not prepared.
clivermore@th-record.com
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