We just sent our first child off to college. (He's pictured at his high school graduation.) Among the many emotions -- excitement, loss, joy, sadness, hope and trepidation -- there's another feeling that's relevant to all of our financial lives: disbelief. You never think the future will actually arrive. But eventually, it does. That's why we all need a financial plan, and we need to commit to it.

We have so many wonderful memories of our son growing up, as almost any parent does. My wife and I are hugely proud. We're his #1 fans (okay, we're tied with his sister). We have always wanted the best for him, including college. That last part was easy, because the downside to us -- his departure -- was in the nebulous time we call the future.

But it has arrived -- suddenly.

If you have not started saving for college, if you have not committed to a retirement plan that's viable, if you have not done estate planning (wills and related documents), if you haven't thought hard about insurance needs ... please make time soon.

The future will arrive before you know it. Trust me.