Retirement planning and preparedness are at critically inadequate levels, with studies showing the majority of Americans lack any kind of retirement savings strategy. The Retirement Pyramid serves as a visual guide to help you build a sound financial road map.

Making up the large base of the pyramid is the guaranteed income streams, such as annuities.

The next level are longer-term investments that need time to mature and grow such as 401(k), 403(b), IRAs, real estate holdings and some annuities.

The next level is made up of life, health, Medicare and long-term care insurance.

At the top of the pyramid are CDs, mutual funds, stocks and bonds.

While no retirement plan will meet the needs of every consumer, a weighted mix of long-term assets, guaranteed income, insurance and investments can help ensure that retirement funds are well-positioned.

This information was provided by the National Retirement Planning Coalition.