Important Note

You are now leaving the Strong Valley Wealth & Pension, LLC ("Strong Valley") website. By clicking on the "Schwab Alliance Access" link below you will be entering the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Website. Schwab is a registered broker-dealer, and is not affiliated with Strong Valley or any advisor(s) whose name(s) appears on this Website. Strong Valley is/are independently owned and operated. Schwab neither endorses nor recommends Strong Valley. Regardless of any referral or recommendation, Schwab does not endorse or recommend the investment strategy of any advisor. Schwab has agreements with Strong Valley under which Schwab provides Strong Valley with services related to your account. Schwab does not review the Strong Valley website(s), and makes no representation regarding the content of the Website(s). The information contained in the Strong Valley website should not be considered to be either a recommendation by Schwab or a solicitation of any offer to purchase or sell any securities.

Article

Planning Your Retirement Goals

A couple looking at a computer screen together.

Are you wondering how to meet your retirement goals? Or maybe you're wondering what to consider in coming up with a plan? This article provides answers to these questions and more, offering reasons why planning is so important today and how a financial professional can help.

January 10, 2026
A couple looking at a computer screen together.
Important Disclosure: Content on our website and in our newsletters is for informational purposes only. The information provided may (or may not) directly apply to your situation. We recommend that readers work directly with a professional advisor when making decisions in the context of their specific situation.

Understand Why Planning is Needed

If you ask yourself what retirement will look like, the answer may be a comfortable home near a golf course. Or perhaps it’s free time to spend with grandchildren, or maybe it’s a cross-country journey or trip around the world? The dreams you have today about the future can be yours tomorrow--if you understand what is required to fulfill them, set a course to meet the challenge, and seek solid professional assistance along the way.

With a retirement date several years in the future, it’s a good time to begin preparation. A look at factors affecting the future of all retirees can help potential retirees focus on the importance of preparing for the future. Consider the following:

  • Increased longevity and early retirement are giving Americans more "golden years" to enjoy—and a greater need to plan.
    • Inflation, whether high or low,it impactsinvestment dollars, year-after-year reducing"real" valueand, thereby, reducing the purchasing power to make retirement dreams a reality.
    • Escalating medical costs affect both young and old, but can be devastating to retirees on a fixed income.

    A Checklist for Retirement Planning 

    Once goals have been identified, assign a monetary value to them, and then review progress towards the goals. The following checklist is a good starting point.  

    • Analyze the present situation, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.  
    • Find out how much Social Security, veteran’s benefits, and employer-sponsored plans are expected to provide in retirement. 
    • Estimate interest earned on savings, investments, and life insurance, as well as any from real estate rentals. 
    • Review any life, health, and disability insurance policies to see whether they meet present and future needs. 
    • Try to pay off significantly large bills now to avoid facing them once retired. 
    • Determine which expenses are likely to decrease after retirement and which are likely to increase. 

    A financial professional can help work through items on the checklist, as well as assist in the following areas: 

    • Time Needed to Build a "Nest Egg." Many people need assistance understanding the right choice of investments needed to meet the retirement timeline. Options to consider include investments designed for growth, income, or a combination of both. 
    • Investment Personality. Understanding this factor is a critical, but often an overlooked ingredient in financial planning. Insight into individual risk tolerance will guide decisions on choosing the right investment vehicles to meet the funding goals.  
    • Projected Retirement Needs. The determinations previously made will affect how much is needed to invest in order to reach full funding for retirement goals. 

    A financial professional can personalize a plan that works for your unique situation and set you on a path towards your future retirement dreams, whether it’s a home on the golf course, time with grandkids, or that trip around the world. 

    Other content you may like

  1. U.S. Stocks Ended the Year Well

    U.S. Stocks Ended the Year Well

    January 29, 2024
    This market overview shows the recent recovery in stocks. U.S. stocks average a 10% return, but they very rarely return their average in a calendar year as they did in 2023. Also take a look at the bond market average for 2023, along with data on money market, bond assets, and cash yields. Included is an interesting look at the historic market performance in election years.
    Read this Article
  2. Summer Heat Means More Boating Days

    Summer Heat Means More Boating Days

    July 16, 2021
    On bright and sunny summer days, the allure of the water can be irresistible. But before you set sail, take some time to consider whether you and your passengers meet the required safety standards and are prepared for any unforeseen events. This article covers the basics of boat owners insurance.
    Read this Article
  3. Understanding Inflation: A Student of the Market Special Edition

    Are the Prices Right? Understanding Inflation

    August 24, 2021
    Inflation touches everyone’s purchasing power. This Student of the Market Special Edition is designed to answer questions you might have about the current inflation challenge. It also gives a historical context and provides data insight into portfolio performance during inflationary periods.
    Read this Article
  4. Keeping Emotions and Investing Separate

    Keeping Emotions and Investing Separate

    August 4, 2023
    Reducing your emotions can give you a better chance for investing success. For many investors this may seem almost impossible to do. This article gives you four tips on how to keep your emotions and investing separate.
    Read this Article
    5. The link you have selected is located on another server. The linked site contains information that has been created, published, maintained, or otherwise posted by institutions or organizations independent of this organization. We do not endorse, approve, certify, or control any linked websites, their sponsors, or any of their policies, activities, products, or services. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information contained therein. Visitors to any linked websites should not use or rely on the information contained therein until they have consulted with an independent financial professional. Please click “Continue to Link” to leave this website and proceed to the selected site.
    No, stay on StrongValley.comContinue to link
    phone-handset