The Best Time to Start a Financial Plan is Now

by Tricia Bush, CPA, CFP^®

CPA, CFP^® Owner, AAA Advisory LLC

Are your finances in alignment with your life?

One of the most powerful steps you can take in financial planning has nothing to do with money—and everything to do with you.

Before diving into numbers or spreadsheets, take a step back and ask: What do I actually want my money to do for me? It sounds simple, but most people skip this step. Instead, we treat growing our account balances like it’s a video game—just chasing a higher score. But saving without purpose is like setting out on a road trip without knowing your destination.

Why This Matters to Me

I used to be that person. Like many girls, I grew up a rule-following people-pleaser. I was told to get good grades, go to college, and find a job that paid well. So, I did—check, check, check. I thought once I hit six figures, I’d feel fulfilled. But that milestone came and went, and I still felt stuck. So, I kept climbing—more hours, more pressure—still hoping happiness would follow.

Then life knocked me off track. I suddenly lost my husband of nearly 15 years—the father of my two children. That wasn’t part of the plan. It forced me to ask hard questions: What really matters? What kind of life do I want for my kids—and for myself?

That’s when my journey began. I cut back my hours and took a big pay cut. To my surprise, it didn’t sting. It felt freeing. I finally understood: it’s not about how much money you make—it’s about making your money work for the life you want.

Start With Your Values

Before setting financial goals, you need a compass. What are the values that guide your life? What do you care about most? Not just surface-level goals like travel or homeownership—but the deeper drivers behind them: adventure, security, family, creativity, freedom.

If I asked you today to name your top three values, could you do it?

Most people can’t—not because they don’t have values, but because they haven’t paused long enough to name them. One tool I recommend is the free VIA Character Strengths survey. It’s a great way to clarify what matters most and start aligning your decisions accordingly.

When you know your values, financial choices become less about sacrifice and more about intention. “Cutting back” doesn’t feel like loss—it feels like you’re choosing something bigger.

Dream Without Limits

Once your values are clear, give yourself space to dream. If there were no constraints—no financial pressure, no outside expectations—what would your life look like in 10 or 20 years?

Would you be running a business you love? Living closer to nature? Traveling the world? Volunteering more? Reading books by the ocean with no schedule?

These dreams become your financial destination. And when you’re working toward a vision that excites you, it’s easier to say “no” to what doesn’t align and “yes” to what moves you forward—even when it’s hard.

Bridge the Gap With Action

Now, bring it back to the present. What’s one thing you can do in the next 90 days to get closer to that dream?

Maybe it’s opening a savings account for your big goal. Maybe it’s starting a debt-payoff plan, so you can free up future money. Maybe it’s reviewing your investment strategy to ensure your money is working for you.

Or maybe it’s not about money at all—at least not directly. Maybe your next right step is setting boundaries at work, so you can reclaim time with your family. Maybe it’s booking a weekend retreat to recharge and reflect. Maybe it’s simply creating a list of the things that bring you joy—and committing to do more of them.

Quarterly (90-day) goals are small enough to be manageable, but big enough to build momentum. Every few months, you can pause, reflect, and take another step forward.

Be Ready to Evolve

Here’s the truth: Life changes. Your values may shift. Your dreams may grow. That’s normal—and healthy.

Revisit your goals and values at least once a year. Make sure your financial choices still reflect the person you are today—not the version of you from three years ago.

Financial planning isn’t about one perfect decision. It’s about a series of small, thoughtful choices over time. And when those choices reflect your values, they bring you closer to a life that feels intentional and fulfilling.

Start Where You Are

If you feel like you’ve been going through the motions—saving, investing, working hard—but you’re not sure what it’s all for, you’re not alone. I’ve been there.

You don’t have to wait for a life crisis to make a change. Start by carving out a little time for reflection. Journal, take a walk, talk with someone you trust. Get curious about what lights you up, and what kind of life you want to create.

When your financial decisions align with your values and your vision, you’ll find more joy in the journey—and more peace of mind along the way.

And if you want support—whether it’s a one-time check-in or something longer-term—I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Disclosure: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be construed as investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial or tax professional before making decisions about your personal finances.