| Plan | | | | add up over the years. |
| The first rule of retirement savings is to create a | | | | Comparison Shop |
| written plan. Financial plans include your income and | | | | Never pay more than you have to for an item, |
| expenses now and how you should invest your | | | | especially a big-ticket one. Shop and compare at least |
| money today in order to grow it enough to cover | | | | three places before making a major purchase. |
| future living expenses. | | | | Start Now |
| Budget | | | | It's never too late to start saving for retirement. So, |
| Create a budget that plots your income and | | | | even if you're only a few years away from retiring, |
| expenses and use the budget to keep track of your | | | | put away money, invest your money and start |
| spending. This ensures you don't overspend so you | | | | planning today for your tomorrow. |
| can reach your retirement goals. | | | | Be Conservative |
| Continue to Work Part-time | | | | Invest your retirement money more conservatively |
| Working a second part-time job during the years | | | | than you would other funds. It's as important to |
| leading up to your retirement gives you an additional | | | | grow your money as it is to preserve the principal |
| source of savings income. You can take on a | | | | balance and protect it against inflation. |
| part-time job during retirement to earn extra money | | | | Professional Advice |
| or to keep your mind busy. | | | | Most individuals are not equipped to make investing |
| Review Bills Carefully | | | | and estate planning decisions. Seek the advice of a |
| Don't give away your money for free. Review | | | | Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to help you review |
| monthly bills for accuracy so that you only pay | | | | your situation, create a plan and set you on the path |
| creditors what is due to them. | | | | to reaching your retirement goals. |
| Discounts | | | | Consider Time |
| Clip coupons and take advantage of discounts where | | | | The number of years you have left until retirement |
| and when you can. Deposit the money you save | | | | plays a starring role in your investment options. |
| savings into your retirement account. If you do this | | | | Invest in a way that gives you the highest possible |
| each time you eat out or buy an item, it will quickly | | | | return for the time you have left until retirement. |