Do you already have an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)? Have you contributed the maximum allowable amount each year? Is it earning and growing fast enough, or should you transfer it to another financial institution or open this year. s IRA somewhere else?

Are your other savings or investments doing as well as they might? Could you earn more by making a change? Check with the people who are handling your savings or investments to see if there are any better alternatives. Are you setting aside enough for savings or investments now to assure a comfortable retirement?

You might want to cut down on current spending so you can invest the difference toward a happier retirement.

If you are hoping to start a new job in retirement for more income, what leads do you have now? What can you do now to prepare for this new job? If you. ve built up net worth in such assets as real estate or antiques that you hope to sell later, start thinking how you could most profitably turn them into income.

You may feel you have estimated your retirement budget realistically, but if you don. t have enough income, you will have to cut down. What could you do now to cut future expenses? While you are still working, could you pay for needed maintenance on your house to get it in good shape? Build up a bigger fund to cover replacement of home appliances, car, or other big items? Examine insurance to be sure you are buying only what you will need? Look for ways to cut costs of food, energy, clothing, and other family needs? Learn skills that will let you do some of your own home or car repairs.

If you have a large debt load now, try to reduce it before retirement. Credit is a handy tool, but it can cost you money you may not be able to afford in retirement.