10 Steps to Help You Work Toward Your Financial Future.

1. Plan early for retirement

   Figure out how much money is needed to retire and establish an investment plan

2. Educate yourself

   Read newspapers and investment magazines. Talk to a financial advisor about basics of finance.

3. Understand what you have

   Keep up with family insurance and investments, and know the value of these assets. Meet with an advisor to help make sure your portfolio is well-balanced.

4. Start saving early

   Begin saving for retirement as early as possible. The rule of thumb is to save at least 10% of your pay in a 401(k) or other retirement account.

5. Make a will

   Ensure you have beneficiaries on all retirement savings accounts.

6. Prepare for taking a break

   One of the biggest obstacles we face in saving for retirement is breaks in employment. Whether changing jobs or terminated, work with an advisor to open an IRA. And when resuming work, save even more to make up lost time.

7. Be aware of vesting

   Be aware of vesting requirements for pensions, 401(k) accounts, and other benefits. If you leave a job before the vesting period is completed, you may forfeit your pension or a portion of your company’s 401(k) match.

8. Don’t be afraid of the stock market

   Plan carefully with an advisor, research and find an investment within your risk tolerance, then buy it and hold it.

9. Get a handle on debt

   Consolidate and cut up extra credit cards.

10. Pay yourself first

    Create a budget to understand where your money is going.