For most people, retirement is a scary idea. They envision everything going downhill from there. The idea of being socially isolated, experiencing declining health, and approaching death make them feel extremely nervous.

Taking steps today can help make sure you’re protected in the future.

This is easier said than done. Believe it or not, only 16% of people work on saving more than 15% of their salaries for retirement.

Planning for your retirement doesn’t have to feel intimidating.

There are actually a lot of things you can do now to make retirement easier. Check out the three simple steps below.

1. Start early.

You’ve probably heard this more than a dozen times already, but it’s true! If you start saving early, the easier retirement will be for you.

Avoid procrastinating and pushing back your retirement savings. If you do, you’ll just end up with more problems in the future.

If you’re just starting, it’s a good idea to create a plan and set goals. Find out how much you’re earning in a year and how much you actually need to maintain your lifestyle. Apart from those, you’ll need to consider your income, inflation rate, and how long you plan to work.

2. Prioritize saving.

If you want to have enough money for your retirement, let go of your excuses.

Even if you’re not good with numbers and you’re not making enough money, you’ll still be able to save. It starts with defeating bad money attitudes.

You don’t have to start big. In fact, you can start saving a few dollars per week. There’s nothing wrong with starting small as long as you can make it a habit.

Try to set aside 15% of your income right before you pay your bills. Put it in a bank or contribute to your 401(k).

As much as possible, don’t deposit the money into a checking account. It’ll be easier to spend it if it’s not in a different savings account.

If you want to make sure that you’ll be able to save, automate it. The money will automatically go into your savings account and you won’t even have to think about it.

3. Create a budget.

Making a budget allows you to have more control over your money. It lets you see exactly where your hard-earned money is going each month. It also offers a way for you to see which areas you’re spending more than you’re supposed to.

Without one, you’ll have a hard time setting something aside. You may even find yourself with no extra cash to put into your savings account at the end of the month.

There are different ways to create and track a budget. You can use the oldest method which is writing everything with a pen and notebook.

You can also create a spreadsheet using your computer. There are tons of worksheets online, too. All you need to do is download one and enter your data. Another option is to look for free online software programs.

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Source: Fidelity Investments, Investopedia