Ways to find retirement planning advice

We won’t sugar-coat it: when it comes to retirement, there's a lot to plan. If you’re like most people, you'll want some advice on how to make sure your money lasts as long as you do (or longer!) You can find advice from a variety of places and at different price points. If you’re looking for some additional help, here are some no-cost and low-cost options to consider.

Talk to your bank or credit union.

If you have an account with a financial institution, chances are it has free tools for customers.

Contact your workplace and your 401(k) provider.

If you have a retirement plan through your employer, be sure to ask your human resources department about any free seminars or classes on retirement planning they offer. Many 401(k) plans also offer planning calculators and access to a financial advisor.

Classes and literature

Some organizations will offer free financial advice, depending on your circumstances.

• Credit counseling agencies may offer assistance with budgeting and debt.
• The Foundation for Financial Planning offers free financial planning services for financially vulnerable people.
• Your local library likely has free finance books on retirement.
• Some colleges offer free courses. The Nonprofit Colleges Online search engine is a good place to start.
• Some in-person advisors offer a free consultation for prospective clients. You may consider bringing a list of questions to get the most out of the meeting.
• On the go? Financially-focused podcasts can offer some great retirement planning advice and other money matters.

Community programs

Check your local town website to see if they offer any in-person or online classes in your area with low-cost financial advice from experts.

Subscribe to a magazine, journal, or online publication

For a few dollars a month, magazines can offer solid advice for your current situation, long-term insight, and the latest financial trends that you can use in your financial and retirement planning.

Enroll in a retirement planning course

Consider getting instruction from a teacher in a structured setting where you can learn and ask questions. Whether that’s an online school or adult education center, there are varieties of classes available that can teach you the basics of money management.

A more personalized path

Hire a financial professional

If the free options aren’t giving you the personalized retirement advice you’re looking for, consider enlisting help from a financial professional. They can help build a holistic plan to manage money, savings, and debts. A qualified professional will be able to lay out specific goals and steps and help you meet them.

Meeting with a financial professional is a great opportunity to assess your progress and make sure you’re on track. When you meet with a financial professional, it’s important to talk about your goals. You may want to ask:

• What is my current financial situation?
• Am I on track to hit my retirement goals?
• Can I adjust my plans if something in my life changes?
• Is my portfolio diversified enough to meet my financial goals?
• Is there anything missing from my financial plan?
• How will my investments affect my taxes?
• When should I review my beneficiary information?

You can start your search for the right financial professional by visiting North American’s find an agent page.

At the end of the day, there are many options out there to help you get a better understanding of how to plan for your retirement. Whether you start with free options or choose a more personalized path, you’ll be working toward a financial future where you’ll be more savvy and prepared.

The term financial professional is not intended to imply engagement in an advisory business in which compensation is not related to sales. Financial professionals that are insurance licensed will be paid a commission on the sale of an insurance product.

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