Many of us take life as it comes, rolling with each punch. While that can work well in some cases (and it’s certainly not a bad thing to be adaptable), this casual approach likely won’t work for the big things—retirement, house damage from a natural disaster, paying for your kids’ college, major health scares…the list goes on. To take yourself from a reactive, shaky financial position to a proactive, secure position, it is necessary to be strategic.

If you’ve been following my blog or have read my book, you’ll know that I believe there are three main pillars of Self-Wealth: Purpose, Financial Security, and Hope. Proactivity falls under the “financial security” pillar, and it’s an essential part of becoming financially independent and protected. Every single client I work with comes to me seeking financial security, and the vast majority can achieve it. They just need to develop a little strategy, discipline, and long-term thinking.

Ways to Be Financially Proactive

It is said that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, and the second-best time is today. If you haven’t “planted your financial trees,” now is the time to get started. Here are four ways to do that:

Consider Your Goals

Financial security feels differently to everyone. We all have different life circumstances and situations, and we all have different dreams for the future. Maybe you want to purchase a vacation house, or tour the country in an RV, or simply gain enough financial freedom to treat your grandkids to a nice dinner without worrying about the bill. Whatever your goals, it is important to consider them as you start to build your financial security.

Work with a Trusted Financial Advisor

It’s fine to DIY a garden bed or a sweater…but do you really want to DIY your finances? When you’re dealing with financial wellbeing, the learning curve is high and the stakes are even higher. I recommend working with a fiduciary financial advisor—someone who will put your needs above their own and do everything in their power to avoid conflicts of interest.

Think Long-Term

When you have a long horizon for reaching your investment goals and aspirations, you don’t need to panic about day-to-day changes in the stock market. Rather, you can take the highs and lows as they come and stay focused on the long-term. This way of thinking can enable you to make good choices and proactive decisions, such as regularly working with a financial advisor to rebalance your portfolio.

Build an Emergency Fund

Because life can be unexpected, it is critical to start an emergency fund and contribute to it regularly. I suggest making automatic contributions to this fund, either every month or with every pay check. Even if you contribute a nominal amount every so often, your emergency fund will steadily grow over time and be there when and if you need it. No one wants to think about potential emergencies, but it’s wise to be prepared for them nonetheless.

Though so much of life involves kneejerk reactions and split-second decisions, your finances should not be so reactive. Instead, set aside time to strategize, work with a professional, and set yourself up for future success (or to deal with future problems). Doing this work is an investment in yourself, your future, and the future of your family. If you haven’t already planted this tree, I urge you to do so as soon as possible.

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