Planning for a comfortable and secure retirement is a multistep process that is complicated and can take decades of preparation. If you are getting close to retiring, the following steps are ones you can take now to help prepare you for life in retirement.

Build Your Financial Plan

The first step, however obvious it might seem, is to examine your financial plan. If you don’t have one, now is the time to build one. Consider your short- and long-term goals and the lifestyle you are anticipating in retirement. Both of these will guide your financial plan. Consider using a retirement calculator for this step and consulting with a financial planner if you need some extra guidance.

Increase Savings

No matter how long you’ve been saving and how much you’ve managed to accrue in retirement accounts, now is the time to beef up efforts to fund your nest egg. One way to do this is through automation. Automating deposits to an IRA or a brokerage account is an effective set-it-and-forget-it approach to saving more. If you contribute to a workplace 401(k), consider increasing the amount you contribute with each paycheck. Assuming your company matches up to a certain dollar, be sure you’re contributing at least that much.

Review Your Retirement Portfolio

Once you’re on the path to saving more, it’s time to make sure your funds are set to grow, not just until you reach retirement, but for years past that finish line. You want to have a diversified portfolio that lines up with your retirement timeline. Keep in mind that as you move closer to that finish line, your risk tolerance usually wanes in favor of protecting your investments. Diversify investments within a range of stocks, bonds, short-term investments, and other types of investments to help reduce the fluctuations of your portfolio over time and ensure that your money is available when it comes time to use it for retirement living.

Plan for Your Healthcare Expenses

As one of the greatest expenses for retirees, healthcare deserves some significant planning, especially if you are retiring before the Medicare age eligibility of 65. You will need to secure health insurance from the private marketplace, and you will also be responsible for paying other medical expenses. Be sure to do your research and shop around for the best plan that fits within your financial framework.

What Does Retirement Look Like to You?

Some people want to travel or spend more time with family when they retire. However, more and more retirees are choosing to work—this time on their own terms, and usually by turning a passion or talent into something more. Whether that means displaying paintings at a local gallery, becoming a vendor at a farmer’s market, or delving into a part-time role at the neighborhood bookstore, you will need to start planning for this transition by mapping out any upfront costs. Just thinking about what your retirement life plan might be will help steer your financial planning in the years before you retire.