When I talk to people about retirement, the most common thing I hear is, “I know I should be doing something… I just don’t know what.” And I get it. Retirement can feel like this far-off goal that’s always shifting. But whether you’re just starting to save or you’re already eyeing that finish line, there’s always something you can do today that your future self will appreciate.
Here’s how I think about it, depending on how far out you are.
If You’re 30 Years Out: Start Building the Habit
If retirement feels like a lifetime away, that’s a good thing. Time is on your side, and that’s your biggest advantage. You don’t need to max out every account or know exactly what age you want to stop working. What matters right now is consistency.
Start by setting aside something, anything, every month. Even small amounts add up when they’ve got decades to grow. I always say: don’t wait until you “make more money” to start saving. If you can build the habit now, it only gets easier.
Focus on:
Getting into the habit of saving automatically
Taking full advantage of employer matches if you have a 401(k)
Learning your risk tolerance and getting comfortable with long-term investing
At this stage, you’re not planning the full retirement yet. You’re just laying the groundwork.
If You’re 20 Years Out: Time to Get More Intentional
This is the phase where you probably have more responsibilities, maybe a mortgage, maybe kids, and less time to think about retirement. But this is when the choices start to matter more.
At this point, I start encouraging people to picture what they actually want retirement to look like. Not just the age or the number, but the lifestyle. Do you want to travel? Stay close to family? Keep working part-time? Your vision helps guide the plan.
Focus on:
Increasing your savings rate if you’ve been stuck at the same level for years
Reviewing your investment mix—are you still invested for long-term growth?
Starting to estimate what retirement might cost based on your lifestyle goals
Making sure your debts are under control so they don’t follow you into retirement
This is also a good time to check in on things like life insurance and estate planning. You don’t need everything figured out, but you do need a direction.
If You’re 10 Years Out: Get Specific
Ten years out is when the plan needs to get real. This is the time to get into the details—the numbers, the timelines, the trade-offs.
I usually walk through questions like:
What are your current savings total and income needs in retirement?
Will you have other income like pensions, rental properties, or part-time work?
Are you on track to pay off your house or other major expenses?
Have you thought through healthcare and long-term care?
It’s also the time to start thinking about when and how you’ll draw from different accounts. Taxes can make a big difference here, and the order you withdraw your money matters.
Focus on:
Fine-tuning your budget with retirement in mind
Understanding Social Security timing and options
Running real numbers with real scenarios
Creating a transition plan, not just a stop date
Retirement planning isn’t one big decision. It’s a series of small ones you make over time. Whether you’re 30 years away or 10, the most important thing is that you’re thinking about it. If you want help figuring out what your next move should be, reach out to me today at Jaks Financial: Justin Jaks. I’ll help you build a plan that fits where you are right now and where you want to be.