Washington Mortgage Planner-straight up mortgage advice and commentary

Good morning: I just read a great online post on one of my favorite e-newsletters, www.earlytorise.com. it was by a prolific copywriter named Clayton Makepeace. It inspired me to write the following.

Clayton Makepeace starts by saying that we're worried about what our customers are thinking right now. It's manifested in the blame game we're playing. That is, blaming everyone else rather than ourselves. Clayton goes on to say that we really should be blaming ourselves for spending frivolously and saving nothing. That's a hard pill to swallow but true. With that in mind, here are 5 things we can be thankful for amidst the economic turmoil.

One, it has forced us to not spend foolishly. My Dad worries about me as most parents do. And we've had our share of hard times. My Dad is comfortably retired and came from an age where you saved your money and spent below your means. With expenditures down, it stands to reason that, two, we are saving more.

We are saving more for a rainy day. This is good. We all know that America's savings rate is not where it should be. This economic downturn has forced us to sock away money.

Three, we are paying our debt down. Again, a good thing. Being in debt is something probably none of us are proud of. I'm not talking about a house payment here. Rather, credit card, car, and other revolving debt.

Four, it's forcing us to work harder. Sure, it's great to make easy money and good times will allow us to prosper again down the road. But those of us who have always worked hard don't mind it. We love our professions and, if it requires us to work a little harder, that's o.k.

Five, it's allowing to think about our relationships. Whether it be personal or professional, Clayton Makepeace suggests we reach out to people like never before. Take a friend to lunch, have a cup of coffee with a business relationship, call people in your database just to say hello. Relationships are key.

There you go! Sometimes I have to admit it's tough slogging through all the crud that's out there. Life can get messy sometimes. But I'm encouraged. I'm seeing a great roll-up-the-sleeves attitude, expecially in our business, and that will sustain us. What are you seeing? What's working for you? Have a fantastic day!