Hoping for "better days ahead" is not an effective strategy to ensure financial sustainability, but for many governments, it has become the de facto sustainability strategy. Current challenges and emergencies take up too much of our energy. Growing uncertainty makes financial forecasting feel like a guessing game, and annual budgeting means we really only have to focus on one year into the future. It's enough to discourage even the most experienced finance officer. But, while we can't guarantee better days ahead for our communities, we can promote effective planning strategies that will put our communities on the path toward financial sustainability. Hear from practitioners who have implemented such strategies and are seeing benefits in their organizations.