Small Steps to Take Today to Improve Your Retirement Tomorrow

(StatePoint) While it is never too early or too late to prepare for retirement, today is always the right day to take action.

“Saving for retirement can seem overwhelming, but don’t wait to get started,” says Jamie Ohl, president, Retirement Plan Services, Lincoln Financial Group. “The sooner you start making contributions to a retirement account, the more opportunity you have to grow your savings.”

Unfortunately, only 19 percent of Americans say they are very prepared for retirement, according to the “2016 M.O.O.D. of America Survey” from Lincoln Financial Group. This National Save for Retirement Week, held October 16-22, learn some valuable steps you can take today to count yourself among the prepared.

• Meet the match: Sixty-eight percent of Americans say trying to understand their retirement plan options can be an overwhelming process, according to a recent Lincoln Financial study. If there is one principle to remember when mulling over your options, it’s to take advantage of a match if it is offered by your employer. Not doing so is leaving money on the table.

• Increase your contribution: Whenever there is an opportunity to put more into your retirement fund, take it. When you get a raise or a bonus, consider increasing your contribution. If you save money on other expenses in your budget, for example, canceling a cable subscription you don’t use, try to set aside a portion of the saved money for your retirement fund.

• Meet with an advisor: Consider turning to a professional. The great majority of Americans — 95 percent — trust their financial advisors and 90 percent say their advisor helps them achieve financial security. Relying on their expertise can help position you for a more comfortable retirement.

More retirement tips and resources can be found at LincolnFinancial.com.

Whether you plan to take it easy in your retirement or travel the globe, you will need sufficient resources to have the retirement you envision. As you make plans to meet your short- and longer-term savings goals, remember that saving for retirement is important.