As a data scientist, I’m often brought into a research study after it’s been in motion for months or years. Similarly, financial planners don’t start life with you, they join you when you are already well along in life.

These two situations have a lot in common – the situations are complex, the backstory is large, and the consequences are high. But yet most people wait far too long to bring in the assistance they know they will need before the end.

Need convincing to bring help in sooner? Let me give two metaphors.

The first: We’re trying to get on your moving train, but you’re between stations and can’t slow down.

The second: We’re running onto the football field taking over, when the play is already in motion, and we weren’t in the huddle.

In both scenarios, the trick is in realizing that help is or will be needed. While obviously there are times one needs help, the hard part is committing to bringing in help before feeling the squeeze. But doing so will save you a lot of time and energy, and have a better end result because more options will still be on the table earlier in the game.

What’s coming up in your future? Do you have a child headed for college, a job or career change on the horizon, or aging parents?

Make 2024 the time to be proactive, and reach out for personalized financial education and planning.