There’s a saying in financial planning that applies to more than just money: The best time to prepare is before you need to.

It’s not the most exciting advice, but it’s some of the most valuable. The truth is, the options you have today can be better – and cheaper – than what you’ll have once life throws you a curveball.

Life Insurance: When You’re Healthy Enough to Qualify

By the time someone gets sick or starts having concerning symptoms, it’s often too late to get affordable – or any – coverage. Life insurance companies base their rates on your age and health at the time of application.

When you’re young and healthy, you’re insurable. When you’re not, you’re a risk. That’s why one of the smartest moves you can make in your 30s, 40s, or 50s is to lock in coverage that can protect your family and your legacy down the road.

Health Insurance: Open Enrollment Isn’t Forever

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, pre-existing conditions are covered, but only if you’re enrolled on time. Outside of open enrollment or a qualifying life event such as marriage, job loss, or a move, coverage may have to wait. Reviewing your plan before you need to use it keeps you protected when life surprises you.

Financing: Credit Is Easiest When You Don’t Desperately Need It

It’s a curious irony: banks are most eager to lend money to people who don’t “need” it right now. If your credit score is strong and your debt-to-income ratio is reasonable, you can shop for loans and negotiate better rates.

But when you’re in a financial bind – out of work, carrying a balance, or facing urgent expenses – your options shrink and your rates rise. Whether it’s a mortgage, HELOC, or small business loan, apply when your financial picture looks good, not when you’re scrambling.

Financial Advice: Planning Is for the Proactive

You wouldn’t hire a wedding planner after you’ve already said “I do.” The same logic applies to financial planning.

Working with a financial advisor isn’t just about reacting to what’s happening; it’s about shaping what will happen. The earlier you start, the more control you have over your choices. When you have time and flexibility, you can adjust your savings strategy, rebalance investments, and take advantage of tax-efficient opportunities like Roth conversions, charitable gifting, or strategic timing on Social Security and pension benefits.

Too often, people seek financial advice only when something big is about to happen, like retirement, a job change, an inheritance, or the sale of a business. By then, the window for some of the most effective strategies may have closed. A proactive plan gives you options, while a last-minute scramble often leads to rushed decisions and missed opportunities.

A Few Other “Get It Before You Need It” Essentials

• Estate Documents: Wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives should be created long before a crisis.
• Emergency Fund: The time to build one is while your income is steady, not after a layoff or medical emergency.
• Relationships with Professionals: From accountants to elder care attorneys, it’s better to have a trusted team in place before life forces you to find one fast.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Premiums rise sharply with age, and health limitations can disqualify you.

Preparation isn’t paranoia. It’s power. It’s peace of mind.

Buying, applying, or planning when life is calm gives you the best chance to lock in favorable terms, flexible options, and peace of mind. When you wait until you “need” something, your choices narrow – and the costs can rise.

If you’d like help getting ahead of life’s what-ifs, let’s start that conversation today so we can look at all the options available to you. CLICK HERE to make an appointment.