Retirement planning is the process of developing your retirement investing and savings goals and programs for a future retirement. Plus, it will help you create income and make your assets last throughout your retirement years. Sources of retirement income can include:

• Military retired pay
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• State and federal government pensions
• Social Security
• Private sector pension plans
• IRAs (individual retirement accounts)
• Annuities
• 401(k), 403(b) and 457(k) plans (private sector retirement plans, similar to the TSP)
• Brokerage accounts
• Personal savings
• Rental properties
• Accumulated home equity

Even if you plan to make the military a career, don't assume that you military retired pay and Social Security will be enough to meet your needs. Too many people wait until their mid-to-late 40s to start seriously planning their retirement. This is a big mistake. Saving $250 a month at age 25 will yield approximately $872,000 at age 65 with an 8 percent return. Waiting until age 45 to start saving yields only $147,000 at age 65 - a $725,000 difference!

Below you'll find articles, publications, links and more as you begin your planning. Some of the resources are available only to MOAA Premium and Life members; click to join or to upgrade.

Want to know more about the Blended Retirement System? Click here for MOAA's presentation.