Planning for retirement can seem like an overwhelming task. There are so many options to choose from, and the goal can seem very unclear, especially if you have many years of work ahead of you. In this economic climate, hoping for a simple pension plan from an employer is not the realistic retirement plan it once was, so it’s important to take steps toward ensuring your own financial future. The first and most important step is to get started right away.

A great way to get started with retirement planning is to consult a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help give you an idea of how much you’ll need in your retirement nest egg and walk you through some of the ways to start saving. If you have 401ks from jobs you have left or other bits and pieces of retirement plans strewn around, a professional advisor can help you consolidate them into an effective whole.

When planning for retirement, it’s helpful to pursue several different strategies. If one strategy doesn’t pan out, having a fallback position is vital for your peace of mind. If you have a 401k, you can still take advantage of the tax benefits of a Roth IRA for some of your retirement savings.

Even if you’re near retirement or already retired, smart planning is still important. Making sure you withdraw in tax-efficient ways will stretch your nest egg further. Moreover, retirement does not mean you can’t get a part-time job doing something you like. Even a little bit of income will make your retirement nest that much softer. Whatever plan you make, saving as early and often as possible is always the best strategy.