Retirement may seem like years away, but it will sneak up a lot faster than you think. Failing to plan for a comfortable retirement could potentially mean that you could be working until the day you die. Investing now will not only give you a comfortable nest egg, but it's going to allow your investments to grow over the years. To help you plan for a comfortable retirement, here are some tips you may want to use:

English: Markowitz-Portfolio Theory, Investment Portfolio Management (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some people start making investments a little here and there to see how they do, others have a full plan for their retirement, and some even strive to make a full-time career out of investing. No matter what level of investing you are interested in, building a profitable investment portfolio is important for getting the maximum return on your investments.

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The National Center for Health Statistics positively reports that life expectancy for our elderly population has increased to an average span of 80 years old. The reaction to these statistics have been mixed, with some looking optimistically ahead while others are dreading what these longer years of retirement mean for their finances.

Your quality of life today can help determine the kind of lifestyle you will lead upon retirement. Financial websites like TotallyMoney.com explain that while many of us are busily preparing for the more immediate future, those who start planning their retirements early on are those who will live more fulfilling post-retirement days. Experts further explain that as retirement becomes one of the most critical phases in one's life, ensuring that you have enough assets to maintain a quality living standard is a must.