Start with finding out if you have enough of the right stuff for retirement. Take a financial inventory of what you’ve got, what you’ll have down the road, and what you’ll need. Then review the gaps. You’ll rest much easier knowing.  And you’ll have the right insight to improve your retirement outcome.

Everyone has concerns about retirement, in addition to gaps that need to be addressed. There’s many research-backed “retirement optimized” strategies that you should understand and consider (note: not many traditional advisors are up to speed on these).

The foundation of every plan is a task list to make sure the plan is actually implemented. Likewise, a task list can be the basis of a formal plan. You’ll want to create your retirement to-do list, which will help you stay organized and focused on what’s important, as well as keeping you on track.

Most people don’t have the knowledge or interest in becoming their own retirement advisor. The right advisors can make sure all the risks you may face in retirement are addressed in your plan. He/should should be committed to partnering with you and educating you throughout the planning process. He/she should also offer the full suite of services you need. And the good news is that if you follow this process,  you’ll know enough to keep him/her honest!

At any time during this planning process, it’s prudent (and well worth the time and effort) to learn more in any area where you have a need or interest in knowing more.