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If you're looking at your monthly income near retirement, and the numbers aren't inspirational, it's not the end of the world, says Emily Guy Birken, author of The 5 Years Before You Retire.

Focus on what you really want in your retirement. If you're thinking about traveling the world, try to figure out exactly what it is you hope to get out of traveling: meeting new people, learning languages, eating new foods?

Then find ways to create your dream retirement from home. Hosting students from abroad is one alternative for the would-be world traveler.

Start living on your retirement budget before you actually retire. Not only will that help you save a little more money before you do retire, but also it will help you get used to spending less money.

Take care of your health. Even with Medicare, you can spend close to $250,000 just on health care.