Do you think some people are born procrastinators, or is there something bigger going on? With tax season here, and the deadline to file quickly approaching, it got me thinking about it. I’m sure you either know someone who has filed for an extension or have done so yourself. There are some very valid reasons for delaying your taxes and we’re not talking about those circumstances. We’re talking about the scenarios where you delayed them because you just didn’t get to them in time or, as it’s better known, procrastination.
It seems that we only procrastinate on the things we don’t want to do or find no pleasure in. I doubt many people procrastinate on doing something fun like taking a vacation. So there it is. Perhaps taxes are not considered the most fun thing to work on, especially if you owe money. Procrastinating a little probably won’t cause any harm, but if you stick your head in the sand it can really add up to a big problem.
It might not be the best idea to procrastinate on doing your taxes and then decide to just not file them at all. You wouldn’t want to even think about all of the expense and trouble that doing something like that could create. Or, maybe you’re procrastinating on your retirement planning and estate planning? We know how important it is, but the thought of estate planning might not sound like the most fun thing to do.
The point is that you can’t stick your head in the sand on these crucial issues for a later date. The importance of doing these plans for you and your loved ones is immeasurable and the consequences of not can be unimaginable. Procrastinating on these things never really goes away, it sits there in the back of your mind like an unwelcomed guest who won’t leave.
It might seem like a good idea to delay dealing with something we find unpleasant or that doesn’t bring joy, but the truth is putting it off only creating more stress on yourself. Instead of being done with filing your taxes, planning your financial future or creating your estate plan, you’re carrying the burden of the unfinished items for a lot longer than setting a deadline and completing it.
The best part about all of this is that you don’t have to go-it alone. You can meet with a CPA, a financial advisor and an attorney to help you. If you work with the right financial advisor they may be able to help you with all of those services inside their practice or through established professional relationships. In most cases you can get a complimentary meeting to assess your needs.
So fear not my procrastinating friends, you can rest easier tomorrow than you did today by picking up the phone and asking for help. You’ll be amazed at how good it feels to start working ahead of schedule, who knows? You might even like it!
