"The Greatest Gift You Can Give Someone is a Problem"

So before you start thinking I have lost it, hear me out. I once got these words of wisdom from a pretty smart guy. When he made that statement, I immediately thought, how crazy that was. He said, stop and think about it in this manner. Do you think that the person that shares a problem with you, thinks you have the possible answer, solution or an important opinion?

I had done a mortgage for Theresa and her husband a few months ago. The goal was to lower their mortgage interest rate and at the time talked them out of including their credit card debt into the new mortgage. It always gets me uncomfortable to include these debts into a mortgage. Sure, sometimes there is no choice, but this was not the case.

She asked if I would coach her as to which credit card obligations to pay first in order to pay off the debts quicker. I went through that process and she thanked me. I immediately thanked her for reaching out to me. A little surprised by my comment, she said what a strange way to think about giving advice and that is when I told her about her sharing this problem with me. She thanked me and went on her way, but I received this email from her.

Joe,

First, let me thank you for spending the time this morning to coach me with regards to paying off the balance of our credit card obligations. All of your suggestions were great and I can definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel.Second, I continue to understand why Paul referred us to you and will continue to tell all those who can benefit from mortgage knowledge.

Theresa

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