During your 50s, life becomes less about the kids (who are more independent or out of the house altogether) and more about you. You can focus more on your career and put more energy into what you want, both for today and for the future. If you haven’t already, decide on your planned retirement age, determine if your savings is adequate or on track and tackle any retirement planning catch up you may need by accelerating your saving and investing.

In your 60s, you can finally see retirement on the horizon. The time has actually come to plan that trip to Italy; to meet your first grandchild; and to downsize from that big house. What should you do? Research Social Security benefits, Medicare coverage and long-term care options.

Be sure to check back next week as National Retirement Planning Week begins.