Many of us realize, almost too late, that planning for retirement is a life-long process: the earlier we create our\u00a0retirement plans<\/a>, the better our chances are to secure the\u00a0income needed for the lifestyle we\u2019re expecting during those Golden Years.<\/p>\n Of course, it takes more than just discipline, such as making monthly contributions every month<\/em> into the company 401(k), or setting aside savings to accomplish future goals: college, vacations and emergency funds. What\u2019s needed is a step-by-step \u2018blueprint\u2019 highlighting the important considerations as we advance through the years.<\/a><\/p>\n Your employer\u2019s 401(k).<\/strong><\/p>\n For some time now, employers have shifted their retirement offerings away from the traditional pension (defined benefit) plan to a\u00a0defined contribution\u00a0option, the 401(k). Such plans are usually sponsored by an employer who relies on a plan administrator, such as a Vanguard or Fidelity, to offer employees a select number of mutual funds.<\/p>\n Today, in keeping with defined contribution programs, the offering of ‘target-date’ mutual funds<\/a>\u00a0is (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Many of us realize, almost too late, that planning for retirement is a life-long process: the earlier we create our\u00a0retirement plans, the better our chances are to secure the\u00a0income needed for the lifestyle we\u2019re expecting during those Golden Years. Of…<\/span><\/p>\n