When is the best time to have a directed program?
The answer to that question is "as soon as possible" of course that will depend on - how long it is since the last directed program and the current financial position of the parish.
Why as soon as possible? The main reason is that increased committed income will become available all that much sooner.
To acheived the best results make a practice of a 'directed program' every three years with a low key review on the anniversary of the first and second year Thanksgiving Weekend.