Waiting for "the Right Time" Is a Great Way to Lose Money
Money makes most people uneasy.
It can feel like a complicated web of interest rates, inflation, mortgages, and future expenses. But money doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be simple.
Yet, waiting for the “right time” to take control of your money can lead to missed opportunities, and that’s when things get costly.
A lot of people hold off on financial planning, thinking they’re not ready yet. Maybe you’re waiting to see what happens with interest rates or hoping for a clearer picture once the next child comes along. Maybe you're weighing up whether to renovate your home or upgrade to a bigger place. The thought of diving into financial planning can feel overwhelming, especially when life already seems so unpredictable.
Why Do We Wait?
You want to make sure that every financial decision you make pays off in the long run for your family. After all, nobody wants to feel like they’ve made the wrong move.
But the truth is, financial planning is not about predicting the future or waiting until everything is just right. It’s about having a solid strategy in place to handle the unknowns. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that you’re making decisions without realising how they’ll impact your future.
I often see people who, from the outside, seem like they’re doing everything right. They’ve got great careers, a lovely home, kids in private school—by all appearances, they’re successful.
But inside, they feel like they’re treading water, knowing they could be doing more. They’re earning well but aren’t sure their money is working for them. I recently helped a couple in this exact position set up their first investment. It’s incredibly rewarding to get people started on their journey to becoming investors, helping them escape that nagging feeling of stagnation.
The Simple Steps to Take Control
Financial planning doesn’t need to be a complex, time-consuming process. In fact, the basics are straightforward, and you can start with three simple steps:
Sit down and figure out where you are today. What assets do you have? What debts are you carrying? What’s coming in, and what’s going out? This is your foundation.
Work out where you want to be. Do you want to retire early? Buy an investment property? Ensure your kids are financially secure? Be specific about your goals.
Make a list of every step you can think of from A to Z. Break it down into manageable tasks. Start with small, simple actions that move you in the right direction.
The problem for most people is time. We’re all busy with work, family, and social commitments. It can be hard to even find the time to sit down and think about your financial future, let alone make a plan. But here’s the thing—not planning is a decision too.
And it’s often the most expensive one.
The True Cost of Waiting
When you put off financial planning, you're not just pausing things—you’re likely losing money. You might miss out on years of compounding returns, the tax advantages of certain investments, or even better interest rates on a mortgage. E
ven if you’re only delaying things by a few months, that time adds up. By the time you feel ready, you may have missed significant opportunities.
And it’s not just about the numbers. Delaying financial planning can leave you feeling stuck or trapped by decisions you made without a clear long-term view.
That home renovation or new car might feel great in the moment, but if it wasn’t part of a broader plan, you could find yourself paying for it—in both time and money—down the road.
Why Start Now?
The benefits of taking action today are enormous. By putting a plan in place, you’ll have more control over your money, which means more options for your family’s future.
You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that you’re not just reacting to life’s financial twists and turns—you’re shaping them.
It’s never too early to start planning, but it can be too late. Next time you find yourself thinking, "I'm not ready yet," or "I’ll wait until things settle down," consider how costly that wait could be.
Small actions today can have massive benefits down the road, and the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Want to know more?
1) You can click here to book a free 15-minute free clarity call with Sam Woodhouse to discuss how this may relate to you.
2) Join our Your Money Simplified email list to start taking control of your money today. And when you subscribe, I'll give you a PDF called My 3-Step Process for Building Your Road Map to Financial Freedom.
The information contained in this article is general information only. It is not intended to be a recommendation, offer, advice or invitation to purchase, sell or otherwise deal in securities or other investments. Before making any decision in respect to a financial product, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional. We believe that the information contained in this document is accurate. However, we are not specifically licensed to provide tax or legal advice and any information that may relate to you should be confirmed with your tax or legal adviser.