Confession is good for the soul – and for others!

I know – a strange title for a financial blog! But let me explain with a recent event in my life. The other day my wife and I were on our way to pick out a new microwave oven since our current one died- part of our well pump dying, water heater dying, water treatment system not functioning, window leaking month of January!

On our way to the store, a local policeman pulled us over. It seems that our car inspection was over due (our state has annual inspections). Now, it was not over due by a few weeks or even a month. No, our inspection was over due by six months! Naturally, the nice man in the uniform gave us a citation and a fine which came out to about $105.

We felt defeated, we felt foolish, and we felt $100 more broke! Depressing. So we decided to tell people about our oversight. My wife went on facebook and soon all our friends new. I told people at work and at our church.

Now I have to admit that for an administrative person like myself this was all pretty humbling. I am pretty organized (except for tools!) and I like to pinch pennies. BUt it was good to let people know our mistake. So many people encouraged us by telling us stories of how they too have forgotten their annual inspection or some other thing in their life. It was good to know that we were not the only ones! Plus some of the stories were hilarious and it put us in a better mood.Also, it was good because a few people then remembered to check their inspection stickers – so maybe we helped someone else.

So confession is good.  Whatever mistakes we make in life, whether financial or some other kind, it can be helpful to us to let others know. We may receive encouragement, advice, or just a listening and caring ear. We may even help someone else. Isn’t that what experience is, learning from our mistakes and then helping others?

So, next time a little mistake in your life happens, don’t be afraid to share it with others (in an appropriate setting and manner of course). It just might help you and it just might help others!