Where can I get help with my retirement planning?

There are many places to get help with your retirement planning. If you're a do-it-yourself kind of person, or you're just looking for some basic guidance, you can check out online resources to learn the basics (you're off to a good start!), and enter some of your numbers into some online calculators to see where you stand.

If you have a retirement plan through your employer, they might offer some free seminars or classes on retirement planning that you should take advantage of. Check with your human resources department. Many 401(k) plans also offer varying types of advice and guidance, ranging from tools and calculators to help you plan, to target-date funds or managed accounts - if you'd rather not make your own investment choices. In some cases, you might also have access to a financial adviser. Fees can vary widely for managed accounts and advice, so make sure to ask before you sign up.

If you feel you really need some one-on-one help, or you have substantial assets that you feel require professional management, you might want to consider hiring a financial planner.

The most important thing to remember is that you need to save as much as possible for your retirement - and you should start as soon as possible. Don't get paralyzed by fear or indecision. Just use the resources available to you, save early and save often!