Social Security was never intended to be a retiree's sole source of retirement income. Still, it will likely provide thousands — even hundreds of thousands — of dollars over the course of your retirement years. Even if you realize its importance, though, you may be planning for retirement without fully knowing what to expect from your Social Security benefit.

Social Security will provide thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars in retirement income for most Americans.

There are several factors that will impact the amount you can expect to receive, but you will not know the exact amount until you actually file.

Where is your retirement money safest?

When it comes to saving for retirement, many experts recommend following the 50-30-20 rule: no more than 50 percent of your monthly budget should be used for necessities, no more than 30 percent for discretionary spending, and at least 20 percent for savings. Where you put that 20 percent, however, can have a profound influence on whether you’ll have what you need to live the life you want in retirement.

A 401(k) plan is considered a top benefit to attract and keep talented employees. If you’re a small business owner, you have extensive options to help you and your employees save for retirement. These plans aren’t just for big companies. Here’s how you can offer a plan to your team and the best options. We can help you create a financial plan for your retirement needs and goals.