Don’t Be a Fool On National TV

Strive for relationships that value communication.

Despite reaching international rockstar status in 1992, the Red Hot Chili Peppers  became more and more divided over the tension between lead singer Anthony Kiedis and guitarist John Frusciante. 

The situation came to a boiling point when they appeared on Saturday Night Live. Frusciante was becoming increasingly detached. During their song “Stone Cold Bush,” Kiedis actually kicked the unenthused Frusciante. Frusciante later gets his revenge by playing “Under the Bridge” off-tempo, augmenting his chords, and hollering in the microphone.

It’s painful to watch, but a vivid picture of how often embarrassing mistakes could be avoided if we learned to communicate properly.

Communication is vital to any relationship. Recently I met with a couple to help with their financial planning, and he let me know that his current financial advisor of nine years has only contacted him twice in all that time. I wasn’t surprised to see many aspects of his portfolio that needed attention.

Unfortunately, that’s not the first time I’ve heard frustration from clients over a lack of communication from their financial planner. In fact, poor communication is the #1 reason why a client will fire their advisor. That’s one of the many reasons I meet with all of my regularly to check in.

Open communication is what makes the difference between a great financial plan and a crappy one. It’s a two-way radio. A great advisor talks with his clients, a great client is open with their advisor regarding their goals.

Let’s communicate about your plan.