Retirement planning isn’t a one-and-done thing; it’s a journey that can take unexpected twists and turns as your dreams, circumstances, and opportunities evolve alongside the world around you. While this guide provides a framework for understanding your retirement journey, it does not include specific financial planning, investment, or healthcare coverage advice.

Many people work with a financial advisor to develop their retirement plan. If you think you might benefit from a financial advisor’s services, make sure you’re clear about which areas of your life you’d like help with (for example, retirement planning, insurance coverage, college planning, estate planning, and so forth), how the advisor is compensated (fee-only and/or third-party commissions), the advisor’s credentials and certifications, and how much you want to spend on the advisor’s services. Talk to friends and family and do your own research. Choosing a financial advisor is an important decision that can positively or negatively affect your ability to achieve your long-term financial goals and retire to the lifestyle you envision.