(NewsUSA) - Whether you are at the start of your working life, or if you are mid-career and starting to feel burnout, it's never too early to think about retirement. Paying extra attention to financial planning, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, can help increase your options to retire comfortably.

"If you feel as if your retirement planning has been put on the back burner the past year, you don't need to abandon your long-term plans," says John Hauserman, a CFP® professional and Senior Advisor at Financial Council, Inc.

"From time to time, I am asked to help jumpstart a client's retirement fund," Hauserman says. "Whether behind on savings because of divorce, a business setback, or just getting a late start-an investor can usually take a few simple steps to get back on track."

Hauserman offers investors several tips to get a financial and retirement plan back on (or ahead of) schedule. Investors should check:

• Unnecessary costs. Review your bank accounts and credit cards for unnecessary spending that may have crept in. Are there automatic charges from services you no longer use, or didn't know about?
• Insurance coverage. Many people buy insurance plans without making sure that the coverage is appropriate for the risks they really face. Adjusting an inefficient insurance plan can free up more money for retirement goals.
• Savings allotment. Make sure you have money invested in qualified retirement plans that provide tax savings. These plans can reduce your tax burden in retirement.

When it comes to savings, account diversity is key, says CFP® professional James J. Burns, President and CEO of JJ Burns & Company.

"Having a variety of accounts that are taxed differently can provide flexibility when it comes to taking withdrawals in retirement. Your retirement savings may include a pension; IRAs; a 401(k) account; and stocks, bonds and mutual funds not held in tax-deferred accounts. Consider drawing from different buckets," Burns emphasizes. "When possible, enroll in a company-sponsored or individual retirement plan that uses pre-tax money to further reduce your tax burden when you pull that money out in retirement."

A CFP® professional can help you assess your current situation, discuss your short- and long-term goals, and help you stay on track and plan for a secure retirement.

For more advice about reducing your tax burden and making the most of your money when you retire, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.