The most effortless way to save for retirement? Make it automatic. The easiest way to do this is to sign up for your company’s retirement plan and contribute at least enough to receive the free match.

A common piece of advice you’ll hear over and over: Life happens, so it’s wise to have a financial cushion to tap into when sudden, unpredicted expenses arise. Create an emergency fund with three to six months’ worth of pay and you won’t need to raid your retirement plans when life goes unexpectedly sideways.

It doesn’t matter how much you get paid — if you spend more than you earn, you’ll never get ahead. It’s often easier to spend less than earn more, so focus on what you are in control of now. Track where you are spending your money, and then figure out where you’re able to realistically cut costs. This is the easiest way to be able to start saving without having to make more money.

Don't be afraid to talk to a local financial adviser near where you live — someone whom you can meet with face-to-face or easily pick up the phone to call. Financial professionals can help investors at every phase of life, so interview several to find one that you trust and with whom you are comfortable.

Start where you’re at, says Anna Keisler, a financial planning associate with SG Financial Advisors. “We all started somewhere when it came to financial knowledge. Even advisors. You should never feel stupid or silly for asking a question, because it’s better for you to know the answer than to sit in silence, confused. The sooner you start, the better, even if you can’t afford to save very much right now.”

What do they tell you during the routine safety talk at the beginning of every flight? Put your oxygen mask on before you assist others with theirs. This sentiment holds true when it comes to your financial life and your children, say many financial planners. It can be more important to put away savings for retirement before other savings plans, including your children’s college tuition. This may sound harsh, but think about it this way: Your children will have many opportunities to pay for college down the road, including loans and scholarships (if they even choose to go to college). But you won’t have as many options (or time) to pay for your retirement. It’s important to establish a retirement plan first, then help your children.

“I have read studies and interviewed retirees, and what I hear consistently is the value of social capital — your personal social network — becomes just as important an asset in retirement as your retirement savings accounts,” says Laura Redfern, a certified financial planner with Shadowridge Asset Management, LLC. During working years, our purpose and fulfillment often comes from our jobs, which provide structure and a sense of community. “When we retire, we need to make sure we consciously redefine our purpose and continue to connect with others,” she advises.

We’ve all heard it in more forms that we can say — listen to your folks. They have a wealth of experience, so pay attention to what they’ve learned financially. Then use what might be helpful to your own situation.

According to Laura Redfern, “Budgets, like diets, only stick as long as you are motivated by your end goals.” Surround yourself with daily reminders of what you are working for. She recommends posting a picture on your mirror of the goals for which you are saving or setting your computer’s wallpaper to a motivating quote. Tough times will inevitably arise, so having a strong sense of what you are working towards will help keep you on track to reaching your financial goals.

Speak with a financial planner to determine the optimal time to claim your Social Security benefits, as well as a strategy if you have a spouse (they may recommend for one spouse to claim early and the other to delay, or possibly take a different path). The best time to claim Social Security can vary and is dependent on what else you have going on in your financial life, according to Scott Butler, financial planner at Klauenberg Retirement Solutions in Laurel, Maryland. “For some, the best answer is to take Social Security earlier and let other investments grow. For others, drawing income from assets first and allowing their Social Security benefit to grow will net them more retirement income,” he says.

When it comes to investments, time is on your side. Create a long-term investment plan and keep fully invested, even during market downturns (when you may be especially tempted to pull your money out or move it around).

Work toward reducing or eliminating as much of your debt as possible before retirement. “Going into retirement can be disastrous if you are still carrying credit card debt. You will be on a limited income, which can make it stressful to cover expenses. The freer you are of debt, the more freedom you will have in your retirement,” says Kevin Bard, owner and founder of Creative Asset Solutions.

Many financial planners warn that taxes can take a significant bite out of retirement accounts, so it’s advisable to have an honest, working relationship with your tax accountant. There are strategies you can use to minimize Uncle Sam from being your partner in retirement, and your accountant can advise you on these.

Stay abreast of what is going on in the news and legislature concerning Social Security and healthcare — these are two areas that will have a huge financial impact on you at some point in your life. 

We’ve all heard this one before, but what does it really mean? It means to funnel part of your income into a retirement plan right away — straight from every paycheck — before you have the chance to think about it (or spend it!). Participate in your company’s employment plan by saving the maximum amount matched by your employer in a 401(k), and if possible, put a little more aside in a Roth IRA (even a tiny amount every month). It will grow tax-deferred and distributions are tax-free.

Death is an incredibly stressful time for a family, even before sorting through the financial details. Many relationships are irreparably damaged by arguments about “who gets what,” according to Kurt Hemry, president of Ironwood Wealth Consultants in Portland, Oregon. His advice? “Have a family meeting to let your adult children know what you want done with your estate at death. Even with a will or trust, it is advisable to personally tell them what you want to happen when you’re gone.”

A tax refund always feels good, but remember what it actually is — the money you’ve overpaid in taxes during the year. Visit IRS.gov to use their withholding calculator to determine the correct amount that should be withheld from your check, then contact your HR department to change your withholding if you find that you’re paying too much.

Determine your risk tolerance and the right asset allocation for your lifestyle right now, and match investments to the level of risk to make your financial plan successful. However, realize that your risk tolerance will change as your life changes and you grow older.

There is often a solution to the many financial problems we all will face. Don't be afraid to find a financial professional who can help or who can refer you to someone that can. A partnership with a trusted financial professional can be one of the important relationships to foster throughout your adult life.

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