Preserve and Protect Your Wealth

Maybe you don't have a million dollar estate, but the same principles apply. If you own property of any kind—a house, bank account, 401(k) plan, jewelry, car—you have an estate.

Pursuing your retirement dreams is challenging enough without making some common, and very avoidable, mistakes. Here are eight big mistakes to steer clear of, if possible.

If life has not allowed you to build substantial retirement savings, what possible steps could you take in an effort to improve your retirement prospects?

Some people retire at first opportunity, only to wish they had waited longer. Your financial strategy likely considers normal financial ups and downs. That said, a big "what if" on your mind might be "what if I retire in a down time that doesn’t swing back upward in a year or two?"

If you haven't started saving and investing, you can do so now. It doesn't take a huge lump sum to begin.

Cash flow is an essential element of financial planning that can help you defend your castle against unexpected expenses, coffer-raiding or overspending.