Retirement contributions: Increasing gradually

Now that your goals are all set, the next step is to boost your contributions to your retirement savings. You don’t have to divert your entire paycheck. Your contributions can increase slightly but gradually so they don’t feel like a burden or affect your financial situation.

If you are currently redirecting 12 percent of your paycheck to a retirement account such as 401(k) or IRA, increase by 1 percent up to 13 percent. Do the same thing after six months and the same after another six months and so on until your retirement savings are enough to satisfy your retirement goals and expectations.

The best way to make sure you stick to your contributions is to automate the deductions from your paycheck. This way, the money will slowly but surely reach your retirement fund.

Related: 9 401(k) Tips to Get More Money in Retirement