Editor's note: The Hampton Union welcomes financial columnist Kathleen Thomas of Ameriprise Financial Services in Hampton. Thomas' column will appear one Tuesday a month.
Next year the oldest of America's 77 million baby boomers will become eligible for Social Security benefits. That means the biggest generation in the country's history is starting a countdown to retirement. If you are among those preparing for retirement take these five steps now to help make sure you are ready:
1. Create a plan to eliminate or restructure debt. Too much debt can put a damper on your retirement dreams. Consider a plan to pay off or reduce debt to a manageable amount prior to retirement.
