As I have studied, listened, and talked with Baby Boomers and beyond about retirement, I am amazed that most people spend more time planning a vacation than planning their retirement!

For some, retirement seemed so far away that planning for it just seemed to get put on the back burner until they realized it was right around the corner. Then they weren't ready. Others thought that putting away a few dollars here and there would take care of their needs. Or they thought, "I'm putting away money every month in my work retirement plan, so I'll be ready." Only to find out that there wasn't as much money there as they thought, or there was not enough to provide them with the amount of money they'll need to maintain their lifestyle. For some this means they don't have as many choices as they'd like for retirement living, and, in order to have what they want, they need to continue working. Fortunately, more and more people who reach retirement age want to continue working, and there are more and more opportunities for second, third, and fourth careers. (More about this in articles to come.)

It's never too early to start planning for the retirement lifestyle you want. Ideally, it's a good idea to work with a financial consultant. If there is any way you can, establish a relationship with a financial planner. In the long run, a good financial planner will make you more money than you will pay him or her and will save you from making a lot of mistakes. If you don't know any financial planners, ask friends or colleagues if they are working with someone they really like, trust, and would feel comfortable recommending to you. If you have a retirement plan where you're employed, spend some time understanding it. Many people have a plan but don't take full advantage of it.

Read! There are many great books out there that will help educate you about money--how to make it, how to save it, how to spend it responsibly. (See Resources on this site for some suggestions.). Take classes on retirement planning. Many local colleges and universities offer such classes in life-long learning programs or extended education programs. And check back to this website each month for a new article by an "in-the-know" financial advisor.

Remember, money can't buy happiness, but money does give you a lot more choices for your retirement lifestyle.

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