---
title: How to Save a Less-Than-Perfect Retirement
description: Think you don't have enough money to retire the way you want? Take these steps now.
authors:
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    url: https://money.com/author/kate-santichen/
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published: '2015-11-04T16:03:46.000Z'
modified: '2015-11-04T16:03:46.000Z'
section: Retirement
tags:
  - 5 years before you retire
  - Budgeting
  - dream retirement
  - emily guy birken
  - fincon
  - health
  - Health Care
  - Retire
  - Retirement
  - Savings
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word_count: 149
canonical: https://money.com/saving-retirement-less-than-perfect/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
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![dream retirement](https://img.money.com/2015/10/dream-retirement-00_00_04_03-still001.jpg)

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](http://www.amazon.com/Emily-Guy-Birken/e/B00F6LTOCI)*.

**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.

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