Retirement. It's a word that conjures up images of leisurely days spent with family, freedom to travel, and plenty of free time for creative pursuits. Before you start picturing yourself sipping frozen concoctions on a sun-drenched beach, though, there's one vital step you can't overlook: retirement planning. While it might sound intimidating, it's best to think of long-term planning as building a sturdy bridge, piece by piece, that leads to your retirement. The earlier you begin, the stronger that bridge becomes in securing your future.