For the investor that loves a high degree of uncertainty, these are the best of times. More volatility offers more opportunity to make money.  For the investor that prefers calmer more predictable markets, these are stressful times indeed.

Yet the truth is that even the most detailed, well thought out investment plan I could possibly develop for a client could go kaput next week due to a million reasons beyond our control.

Life can throw you curve balls when you least expect them. But does that mean you shouldn’t plan for your future - absolutely not.

So what do you do when uncertainty reigns supreme and keeping money in a savings or money market account is not an option due to the dismal interest rates currently being offered?

Here’s an idea to consider: Accept that the only thing you can be certain of is uncertainty - and move forward anyway.

Yes, it’s a bit unnerving at first. That’s because most of us want to hear that if you set up your portfolio with the proper asset allocation strategy, get the right mix of domestic and international index funds, your overall investments will yield 7-9% on average by the time you’re ready to retire.

But the simple and sometimes painful truth is that even the most optimally designed investment strategy may not produce the results you’re planning on. (think back to the recent crash for an example) Yet, does that mean you keep your head in the sand and not plan? No - it means you plan now, you plan for the future you imagine, but you have a Plan B and a Plan C as well.

As we move forward in 2011, invest some time in planning your future. Map it out and design your personal financial roadmap.  And know that like any map, roads that were open today may be closed a few months from now, so be nimble and course correct when needed. And remember, you can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.

What’s holding you back from planning your future?