The worldwide financial crisis staggers the imagination. Workers and corporations have been mightily affected by financial downturns. Financial upticks may be periods away. Degrees of normalcy in financial sectors might have to result from other than ethically fair behaviors.

Unscrupulous businesses and individuals sometimes prey on peoples’ misery. John L. Williams, a retired assistant store manager, said: “Any crisis, but particularly a financial crises, entices unscrupulous people to take advantage of others. They scheme to take unethically what people possess or want. These type people do not wish to operate ethically and fairly.”

Countries are infusing cash and loans into momentarily failed economies. The debates grow as to what the response of governments must be to provide stimulus designed to counter foreclosures, job losses, bank failures and the like. Diligent work must be carried out to deal with financial “scenarios” awaiting attention. And they must be addressed ethnically and fairly.

Habits, traditions and beliefs about financial security are changing regarding situational financial crises. More than 1 million jobs are lost thus far; the automobile industry in a shambles; people are really feeling economic pain due to high unemployment rates that are mind-boggling. Alternate financial directions are needed.

With financial giant American Express cutting its work force by 10 percent, that is a strong indication that the financial sector has not bottomed out. Corporations expecting meager third quarter profit saw their expectations unrealized. Something has to give ... but what happens must be based on principles of ethics and fair play.

Wrote American author Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862): “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” The current financial meltdown will require individuals and businesses to generate recovery strategies based on the music they hear.

Here are seven suggestions to assist with the beginning of these audacious undertakings:

1. Employ patience aplenty. A financial recovery will be relatively long. However, time spent in contemplation will bode well for families and their eventual financial recovery.

2. Do not waver in your beliefs. You know that the best “awaits” you. Believe this!

3. Stay focused. Distractions will occur. When they occur, use them to solidify and strengthen your beliefs about matters. Some distractions are valuable lessons in disguise.

4. Stay the course. This is so important. To be financially poor could be likened to having contracted a dread disease. Stay the course to undo any financial malaise.

5. Envision a financial recovery. Things done ethically and fairly are meaningful to all.

6. Start your own business. Yes, start your own business. Use smartness and entrepreneurial spunkiness to accomplish this feat. Seek assistance with this endeavor.

7. Attend worship services regularly. Take up matters with your deity. Listen very well.

The world is in a financial crisis. This is scary in that matters could be worse than they are. Reset your financial compass for the not-too-distant future. But do this ethically and fairly.

Reach T&D Columnist Howard D. Hill, Ph.D., via www.educationconsultant@sc.rr.com

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