Would you like to retire as a millionaire? It's easy—if you start planning and saving early. This guide shows you the steps.

What if you haven't started planning for retirement early? Can you still plan wisely and save a comfortable nest egg? Again, the answer is yes. No matter how late you start planning and saving, there are steps you can take to maximize your savings and resources.

No matter when you start, saving for retirement is wise. Setting realistic retirement savings goals to secure your family's future is particularly important today: Most employer-sponsored "defined benefit" pension plans are being replaced by "defined contribution" plans to which employees must contribute. In addition, there is much discussion of Social Security reform.

When you're ready, this guide can help you start to plan for retirement.

In this guide

• Preparing a Retirement Plan
• Retiring a Millionaire
• Retirement Planning by the Decade
• Social Security
• Tax-Advantaged Retirement Plans
• Managing Your Retirement Accounts to Meet Your Goals
• Understanding Types of Investments in Retirement Plans
• Other Popular Retirement Investment Alternatives
• Working with a Financial Planning Professional on Your Retirement Plan

IQ Tip: Before you continue reading, a reminder that our discussion and sites to which we've provided links provide information to help you understand issues related to retirement planning but the information is not intended as investment, tax, or legal advice. For advice on your specific questions you may wish to consult a qualified financial, tax, or legal professional.

Prepared by Remar Sutton and Associates and licensed to Educators Credit Union. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.