Just last week I had the pleasure and privilege to share the stage with the infamous “jar lady” Gail Vaz-Oxlade. If you’ve watched TV in the last 10 years or so, you’ve probably seen or at the very least heard about her show, “Till Debt Do Us Part”.  On her program she is parachuted into people’s homes to help them get their financial house in order. Combine tough love, accountability, clear goals and expectations with one of the most sensitive subjects in the world (money) and it’s no wonder why Gail’s show has been a hit for almost a decade. Her technique is direct and her approach can hardly be considered “soft”, yet she was loved by the nearly 700 people in attendance at our event. Why?

1.       Gail keeps things simple. Whether it is her TV show or the talk she gave live at our event in Winnipeg, Gail would always get to the point as quickly as possible. Most people appreciate this and in many cases need to hear things put in the most basic way. My favorite “simple message” Gail shared was “if you don’t have the money to buy something, don’t buy it!” she went on to say that you need to save the money to buy what you want.  Simple and direct, yet so many of us need to hear it.

2.       Gail kept things realistic. If you have debts, Gail didn’t imply that you can magically make your problems go away but rather make it realistic. If you owe $1200, ask yourself how much you can afford to put away each month to pay down the debt, then divide that by how much you owe and you will know how many months you need.

3.       Gail practices tough love. During the Q/A portion of the event one person in particular asked a question that completely contradicted Gail’s teachings about saving to buy something before having the money to do so. With 675 people in attendance, Gail was tough and direct. Many of Gail’s shows have been framed around practicing tough love towards the couples that volunteered to participate in the program. She makes the lessons stick.

4.       Gail really cares. Being tough and direct only takes someone so far, eventually people around you need to know that you have their best interests at heart and are trying to help them. Gail would not be where she is today had it not been absolutely apparent to her show volunteers, clients and everyone else around her that she cares and is passionate about helping them take control of their finances.

After spending just a few hours with Gail it became very obvious to me that she is someone that loves people, wants to help them, and through her show, is a great resource for anyone who is looking for a place to start taking back control of their financial life.

Article contributed by Marcin Drozdz

Marcin has raised well into the eight figures for exempt market investments that include real estate and business assets. He specializes in helping clients access alternative investments that are not directly correlated with the stock market. Marcin is a Wealth Broker Registered with Pinnacle Wealth Brokers EMD.