The cost of doing nothing

There’s a phrase many of us tell ourselves when it comes to money:

“I’ll deal with it later.”

Here are some of the many excuses I hear for doing nothing-

• My business is very busy, so I will deal with it when it is less hectic.

• I will look at this when the children are older.

• I don’t have enough money to save or pay into a pension

The uncomfortable truth: doing nothing about financial planning is still a choice and it’s often the most costly one you can make.

I speak to women every day who are hardworking, capable and successful in so many areas of life, yet still avoid financial planning because it feels overwhelming, confusing or simply not urgent enough. The problem is that time doesn’t stand still while we postpone those decisions.

The cost of doing nothing

Avoiding financial planning rarely has immediate consequences. That’s what makes it risky, it’s the slow, unnoticed buildup of missed opportunities and increasing costs over time.

Your money may lose value.

Inflation quietly erodes the value of money sitting untouched in a current account. What feels “safe” today may buy significantly less in 10 or 20 years’ time. Without a plan, your money may not be working as hard as it could for your future.

Retirement arrives faster than you think.

Many women underestimate how much they’ll need later in life, especially if they’ve taken career breaks, worked part-time, run businesses, or prioritised family over pension contributions.

The result? Reaching your 50s or 60s and realising there’s a significant gap between the life you want and the finances available to support it.

Dealing with the challenges of life

There are so many curveballs in life. Some are planned, such as getting married, having children, and buying a property. But then there are those which are unexpected, like illness, redundancy and bereavement. Often, people also find themselves in relationship breakdowns or business downturns.

Financial planning isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about creating resilience when life becomes unpredictable. Without savings, protection or long-term planning, even small setbacks can become major stresses. And when these situations arise, it can make a real difference if you have a plan B to fall back on. I have shared some of those stories in my book ‘She Can Prosper’

Clarity leads to confidence.

What I have noticed is that people often hide their money worries, sometimes neatly in a spreadsheet and sometimes in their heads! Stressing over money affects your confidence, leads to sleepless nights and affects your mental wellbeing. Add to this the issues it can cause to your relationship and decision-making.

Many women tell me they avoid opening statements or thinking about the future because it creates anxiety. Ironically, this avoidance often leads to even more stress. Clarity brings confidence, and even small steps can reduce that feeling of uncertainty.

Small decisions create big change.

The good news is that financial planning doesn’t require you to be wealthy, perfect or financially “good”. It simply requires you to start.

Here are some examples of what you can do, which are small steps –

• Start making a small monthly investment; if started today, it can grow significantly over time.

• Create a savings habit, this will give you peace of mind.

• Check and review old pensions you might uncover forgotten money!

• Putting protection in place can safeguard your family and business.

These tiny, consistent decisions often create the greatest impact. And taking action generally leads to more action – this is how our human brains work!

Financial planning is about freedom.

Too often, people think financial planning is only about numbers, but it really revolves around creating choices. It’s about being able to work because you want to, not because you have to. Or taking opportunities without constant fear. It gives you the choice to support your family without sacrificing yourself. This leads to better sleep and less anxiety. This will build security and financial independence. Financial planning, at the end of the day, is really life planning.

Imagine future you

Take a moment to picture yourself 10 years from now. What would future you thank you for today? I talk about this scenario a lot, as I have never dealt with a client who regretted starting a pension, investing regularly, and receiving proper advice.

I have met many women who were relieved they had built an emergency fund and had taken out critical illness cover or income protection, because when they needed it, it made coping with a very difficult time easier.

Your future self will thank you for taking the time to understand your finances and having those difficult conversations.

In reality, doing nothing with your finances rarely means stability. More often, it quietly makes your future harder and your choices more limited.

You need to make a start.

One of the biggest myths around financial planning is that you need to know exactly what you’re doing before you begin, and you really don’t. What you need is the willingness to start asking questions and taking small actions.

At She Can Prosper, we believe every woman deserves to feel informed, empowered and confident about her financial future, regardless of where she’s starting from.

Prosperity is more than wealth. It means having the confidence and security to choose the life you want.

This why I have started The Prosperity Club which launched this month in person in Leeds and I am launching online on 18th June at 7.30pm. This is for women who are serious about getting their financial future together. You can book for the first online session here.

This interactive online session will give you a taste of what The Prosperity Club is all about.

You’ll:

• Discover why so many women struggle with money confidence (and why it’s not your fault)

• Learn how to move from avoidance to awareness

• Be introduced to the She Can Prosper 4-step framework

• Reflect on your own financial habits in a safe, supportive space

• Connect with like-minded women who are on a similar journey

Who is this for?

This event is for you if:

• You feel overwhelmed or unsure when it comes to money

• You’ve been avoiding your finances and want to change that

• You want to feel more confident making financial decisions

• You’re ready to take small, meaningful steps towards your future

• You value community and connection, not judgement

Why join?

Because no one talks about this enough.

And yet, no one will ever care about your money more than you do.

This is your opportunity to

• Start the conversation

• Ask the questions

• Take the first step and take control of your financial future