Time: The Ultimate Roadblock to Financial Planning and How to Overcome It
Why Time Feels Like the Enemy
If you’re a busy parent, you know the feeling: time is always slipping through your fingers. Between school schedules, sports practices, work demands, and the daily grind, the thought of sitting down to talk about money can feel overwhelming.
When it comes to financial planning, time isn’t just scarce—it’s often the reason families put off taking that first step. The irony is that time is also the very thing we’re trying to manage better through planning. How many of us have thought, “I wish I had started sooner”? The truth is, you’re not alone. And here’s the good news—it’s never too late to start.
The Real Reason We Delay
Many people assume financial planning is complicated because of the math, charts, and strategies. But the real barrier isn’t numbers—it’s carving out the time to begin.
I’ve worked with families who went a year or more without progress, despite their best intentions. What finally moved them forward wasn’t a new investment or financial tool. It was reaching an emotional tipping point. For one family, that moment came after a stressful tax season. They finally scheduled a meeting. By the end of our conversation, I could see the relief on their faces.
Did they wish they had started years ago? Absolutely. But the real win was that they started that day.
Here’s the reality: often the hardest part is just making the call or sending the email. We fear what we’ll uncover—debt, missed opportunities, or retirement uncertainty. But the fear of knowing is always worse than the reality of planning. What pushes people through isn’t eliminating fear. It’s finding a purpose strong enough to outweigh it. For this family, it was clarity: understanding their taxes, their retirement plan, and how to help pay for their kids’ college.
Life in the Busy Seasons
If you’re juggling home projects, kids’ activities, and endless family responsibilities, you know how tough it is to even sit down for dinner most nights. Adding “talk about money” to the list? That feels impossible.
It’s not just about motivation. Motivation fades, especially when you’re running on fumes. The real catalyst for change is clarity of purpose. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve for my family, for my peace of mind, for my future?
Once you define your purpose, half the battle is already won.
Practical Steps to Make Progress When Time Is Tight
Even in your busiest season, there are simple ways to move forward:
Set Aside Small Blocks of Time
You don’t need hours. Start with 20–30 minutes a week to talk openly with your spouse or partner about money. Use that time to list your top three priorities or concerns.
Anchor to Your Purpose
Tie your planning to something emotionally meaningful—funding a child’s education, protecting your retirement, or finally understanding your taxes. Purpose is a far stronger motivator than willpower.
Start Where You Are
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Maybe you feel behind on savings or investments—that’s okay. The key is beginning. Progress, no matter how small, compounds over time.
Look Six Months Ahead
Ask yourself: What will I regret not starting today, six months from now? This simple reframing transforms procrastination into motivation.
Accept That Seasons Change
Parenthood and family life come in seasons. What matters today will shift over time. That’s normal. Your planning doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be adaptable.
Moving Forward
Time scarcity is real. But the cost of doing nothing is even greater. Don’t wait until years from now when you find yourself saying, “I wish I had started sooner.”
Look at today as your opportunity. Make the call. Send the email. Sit down for that 20-minute conversation with your spouse. Every step matters.
Financial planning isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about making the most of the time you have now. Six months from today, you’ll be grateful you took action.