For many of us, procrastination - and its guilt - is the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Understanding why we put things off and what strategies could be used to cope are the first steps to getting things done.

Over the years we've noticed clients procrastinate on various items, but it's often those that connote "should" or "ought," the important, but not the urgent. That is perfectly fine, but if you'd like to get some of those jobs checked off the to do list, here are some strategies to consider.

Sometimes procrastination is a valid strategy when other factors are not in place. It can make sense on really complex things that require a lot of thought or when there is too much ambiguity. If so, admit it instead of letting it hang over your head, giving you guilt and sapping your energy. Sleep on it, but set a date when you will deal with it.

So, besides refinishing the deck, painting the house, organizing the closet, or cleaning the garage, here are some financial suggestions for the coming months and beyond. Committing to completing just two or three of them can be quite liberating. And remember, when it comes to financial planning, it's all about progress, not perfection.

Quick and Easy

Make a list of what you think it will take to make this a good year for you personally, professionally, and financially.

• Increase your 401(k) or other retirement plan payroll deduction a little bit, if it works with your cash flow.
• Set up a 529 college savings plan for children, grandchildren, and others.
• Review your beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts, insurance policies, and annuities. (Are they consistent with your wishes, and your overall estate plan?)

 Easy but Takes More Time

• Roll over a retirement plan from a former employer to an existing IRA, or your 401(k).
• Shred unneeded financial records.
• Document your financial information so that if something happens to you, your survivors could easily locate important documents, passwords, safe deposit box keys, etc.
• Meet with your tax professional for some mid-year tax planning.
• Meet with your property and casualty insurance agent to review potential gaps in your coverage.
• Review with your insurance agent your life and disability income policies for adequacy and sustainability.

  Takes More Thought and Time

• Engage our services to learn what your financial independence "number" is and what it will take to achieve it.
• Simplify your financial life by consolidating accounts.
• Review and update your estate plan - or get one created if you've not done one yet.
• Set up a qualified retirement plan for your professional practice or business.
• Meet with an independent agent to review your options for long-term care.
• Think about what it will take over the next 10 years for you to feel happy about your personal, professional, and financial progress. Then develop some benchmarks between now and then.