It all starts with your financial plan.

Your plan should encompass your values, goals, desires, and lifestyle. It reflects what is important to you and what you want to accomplish.

Every plan is different but will include: at what age when you can retire, how much you spend now and during your retirement, how to maximize your Social Security benefits, which pension option fits the best for you, and similar financial decisions that may not be initially obvious.

Ultimately your plan lays out a clear picture of where you are now, where you want to be, and a clear path detailing how you will obtain it.