When was the last time you actually put any real thought into your retirement? Maybe you thought that by the time you reach the age of 65 you would have hit the lottery or made a wise investment that would set you up financially. The truth is only 15% of employed people between the ages of 26-40 haven't put much thought into there retirement portfolio. If you think that's disturbing what about the other 25% of employed individuals who rely solely on their employer to provide substantial financial security for their retirement.



That leaves another 60% of the working population who have put long term plans into effect, by planning for their retirement. Making investments, purchasing bonds, and allocating a percentage of their earnings towards IRA's and 401k plans have been one of many choices these proactive people have made. With the fluctuations in the economy having a diversified retirement portfolio is the latest trend and a choice many people should make early on in their careers.

So what are your choices in retirement planning when the changes in the economy may completely abolish social security benefits? Rumors have it within the next 25-30 years even though you're paying into social security benefits now, the funds may no longer be there for you when you need it? This is the reason why so many people are concerned and making diverse choices in retirement planning.

For some of you who are only a few years away from retirement; retirement planning may be too little too late to secure your financial future and most are depending on social security benefits to fall back on. While this option may be available, at the current rate of social security benefits and depending on how long you've been employed determines how much your eligible to receive from SSI.

Currently someone who has worked for nearly 20 years may have enough in their SSI account to cover $1500.00 a month if they stopped working today. This means in order received income through social security benefits that your current earning you would have to work for another 20 years if your expecting social security benefits to support your retirement.

This depressing scenario is enough to make anyone place heavy thought into retirement planning. If you're not sure what options are available for retirement security when you reach the age of 65 you should do some research on long term financial options like, stock investments, bonds, IRA's and 401k plans. Nowadays putting a little away for a rainy day has taken on a whole new meaning. Not to mention with varying wages changes and employment shortages that offer promising retirement benefits putting great thought into retirement planning means you're serious about retiring.

If you don't want to be like thousands of retired people who have to hold a part time job after the age of 65 because social security benefits isn't cutting the mustard, maybe you should start putting more thoughts into retirement planning and make a few financial decisions that have long term benefits.