Create a pretirement action plan tailored to your goals.
Whether you’re striving to be debt-free or you want to maximize your savings opportunities, use the action items below to secure your financial future. You can ‘favorite’ certain goals you want to focus on as you plan your unique path to retirement.
Track down old 401(k)s
Locate missing retirement benefits from previous jobs and roll over any funds to a current account.
Calculate your Solo 401(k) and SEP 401(k) contributions
If you're self-employed, there are several options to help you save for retirement. See what types of plans are available for sole proprietors that can help you build a nest egg.
Talk to your family about how they can help you put your retirement first
While loans are available for things like education and home improvement, there are no loans to finance your long-term retirement. Your family can help you put your retirement first.
Start saving for retirement by setting up your own IRA
Set up a personal IRA or Roth IRA investment account if you don't have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan.
Once you've hit your savings goals, keep going!
If you've hit the savings goal you set for yourself, congratulations! Now it's time to set a new one.
Write down a realistic savings goal – and stick to it
Saving for retirement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Make it easier to get started by breaking it down into bite-sized savings goals.
Save for your future while paying off debt
The "Avalanche Method" and "Snowball Method" are two ways experts recommend for paying off either high-interest debt or the smallest debts first without limiting your ability to grow your savings.
Plan your retirement with your partner
Decisions about retirement will impact you and your partner in the long-term. Set aside time to discuss your plans together.
If you've experienced job loss, AARP can help
Losing your job for any reason can be devastating, but AARP can help. Explore our career resources that can help you find work so you can retire on your own terms.
Talk with your utilities and cell phone providers
There's a chance you could lower your monthly bills or find better options that still meet your needs.
Talk to your creditors about ways to pay off debt
Start by asking about options for paying off bills and expenses that minimize financial strain on your savings.
Earn extra cash doing something you love
Find ways to turn your hobbies and passion projects into a side gig that can help you save more money for retirement.
Prefer to Take a Quiz Instead?
Rather than selected your goals, take this quick quiz and let our expertise handle the rest.