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THINKING AHEAD

• Consider how much money you will need. Will you maintain your current lifestyle? Can you count on a pension? Can you count on Social Security? A thought from T. Rowe Price: "While Social Security isn't likely to disappear, the benefit you receive probably won't provide all the retirement income you need." (More information: 1-800-772-1213 or www.ssa.gov.)

• Decide how much to save now. Many financial planners suggest saving between 10 percent and 15 percent of pretax household income. The sooner you start, the bigger boost you'll get from compound returns on your investments. Another tip from Price's Retirement Planning Guide: "Don't put off saving until you think you can 'afford' it. What you really can't afford in the long run is not saving. Starting small is better than not starting at all."

• Maximize tax-deferred saving. If your company offers a tax-deferred savings plan, such as a 401(k), get in on it. You should contribute at least enough to capture any matching contributions from the boss. If you can save more, put money into an individual retirement account.

• Ignore the hottest investments of the day. Instead, think about how long you have until retirement and how much risk you can stand. Decide how to spread your investments among stocks (riskiest), bonds, and short-term investments such as money market funds (most likely to be trampled by inflation).

Another thought from Price: "Long-term investing should be about as exciting as watching a good lawn grow. True diversification is intended to balance risk and return potential, not snag high returns."

DOING IT YOURSELF

• Books: The gold standard is Jane Bryant Quinn's "Making the Most of Your Money. An alternative is "Personal Finance for Dummies," by Eric Tyson.

• On the Internet: Find general purpose guides at www.troweprice.com (Retirement Planning Guide and Retirement Readiness Guide) or www.vanguard.com (Create Your Investment Plan).

• More on the Internet: www.saveforyourfuture.org, look for "Savings tools."

HIRING A PROFESSIONAL

• Look for guidance offered along with your 401(k), from your employer or the investment manager.

• Ask friends or family members for the financial planner, CPA or other adviser they use.

• For how-to information, go to www.cfp-board.org, click on "Request a Free Kit" or search for "10 Questions to Ask when Choosing a Financial Planner."

• To hunt for professionals, try www.napfa.org, www.cpapfs.org or, in Georgia, www.fpaga.org.

• When you interview a prospect, be sure to ask how he makes his money. You want to hire a consultant, not a salesperson.

• Read more "Bank on Hank" columns