Good news for Americans planning their retirement: Reports indicate that retirement assets reached a record high at the end of 2013.

This signals a sharp recovery from the disastrous 2008, when such assets were nearly halved in value.

If you’re going to contribute to your retirement account, this seems like as good a time as any to get to work.

Retirement planning can be tricky, even scary, when one doesn’t know where they want to start. The important thing to do is take the time to find out all the relevant information. Then you can decide which direction you wish to go in terms of ensuring a happy retirement.

For example, are you interested in a gold IRA? This video could be of some major assistance:

If you’re employed or seeking employment, you may be interested in a company having a solid 401(k) plan available. Luckily, the improving economy has increased the willingness of employers to restart matching 401(k) plan contributions.

The strengthening of retirement planning and assets across all sectors is said to bode well for Americans who are working towards retirement in the future.

The key to happiness in retirement? Planning. http://t.co/KQPu7Y1eL0

— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) April 19, 2014

Despite all these promising signs, there are still some important tips to know going forward:

– Start saving right now. The sooner you start tucking money away for retirement, the better off you will be. There’s no reason to wait.

– Part time work is not a bad idea. Work of any kind seems to defeat the purpose of retirement, I know, but a little extra income never hurt. Besides, simple tasks that aren’t physically demanding can stave off possible post-retirement boredom.

– Be sure goals are realistic. Not everyone is going to retire a mega millionaire. That doesn’t mean you can’t plan to be both happy and financially secure. So long as you put in the necessary work, you should be fine.

– Watch out for scam artists! This is especially true for early retirement planners. There are all sorts of shady characters looking to separate you from your retirement money. If someone’s retirement “advice” sounds too good to be true (see the previous tip), then it probably is.

Any other advice to offer those planning to retire? Comment below!

Retirement ads—where chores are a reason to smile. Start planning a #RealRetirement. http://t.co/bmybHXZifa pic.twitter.com/8OvLf8a4C8

— TD Ameritrade (@TDAmeritrade) April 15, 2014

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