Yes, it is election season, as if anyone needed to remind you of that. I’m not going to waste valuable space commenting on the election. Instead I will use this time to comment on another season that is upon us. I’m referring to procrastination season. You see, I have been in the financial services industry for many years, helping people like you achieve theirr financial goals. I have also helped financial advisors overcome the effects of procrastination season. When it comes to procrastinating about our financial goals, we have truly become a “procrastination nation”.

What goals did you have for this year as it relates to your financial wellbeing? Perhaps you are viewing retirement out on the horizon in some fashion; perhaps you will stop working altogether or maybe work part time. Maybe you had plans to become better at budgeting your money this year. Those are certainly worthy ideals and I would hate to have you fall prey to procrastination.

Because the reality is this, “time waits for no one and it won’t wait for me”, as the Rolling Stones song of the same name reminds us. In other words, your retirement will still be here whether you procrastinate or not. The problem is you will be closer to the deadline and no better off. You still need to get better at budgeting, whether you start now or wait until “next year” or until “after the election” or “until the economy gets better” or whatever procrastination reason you have. Procrastination only serves to increase the stress and urgency. It’s effects are short-lived soon to be outdone by reality.

So let’s get real. Your financial goals are important and waiting doesn’t make sense. As a CERTIFIED FINANIAL PLANNER™ I can tell you that there are few reasons to put off your financial goals. The ones I mentioned above are not in that category. Here are 4 ways to break out of “Procrastination Nation” and declare your financial independence:

1. Admit that you are in fact procrastinating and ask yourself, why? If it’s because the task seems unpleasant then look for help. For example, if you are struggling with the idea of budgeting, check out my Budgeting That Makes Sense course. If you heard that it’s a bad time to be in the market or that the market will crash after the election, speak with a trusted adviser and get informed. Regardless of what the market does before or after the election you still need to do something about your retirement.
2. Work with a financial advisor or coach. When you have a medical issue you see a specialist. When you have a financial challenge, you should do the same thing, see an expert. Check out my blog post on how to find a financial advisor. You will save yourself a lot of time and heartburn. You can also get more information on my coaching service here.
3. Break down your goal into manageable chunks. Retirement may seem overwhelming. Break it down into questions that you need answers to such as how am I doing with my 401(k) or other tax deferred plan? How can I find out what to do with Social Security? What about healthcare expenses in retirement? How much do I need to save for retirement? Get get a copy of my Guide to Getting Started When You Are Starting Late. Click on the link on the right side of my blog. Just remember, you don’t want to do all of this planning on your own.
4. Get started today. That’s right, do something today, take a step, even if it’s making a phone call or searching for a financial advisor to work with. As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Leave a comment if you need ideas on how to get started.

Don’t feel that you have to remain a citizen of Procrastination Nation. Get started on your financial goals today. There are too many Americans sitting on the sideline in what Dr, Seuss called ‘The Waiting Place”. Ask yourself, what am I waiting for? Do I need to wait or is it stress relieving versus goal achieving to wait? I look forward to celebrating your financial independence day!