Investment advisers tell you that you might need more than $1 million in assets to be able to enjoy retirement. Life’s ongoing costs are many — insurance, medicine, food, transportation, bills, vacations, and entertainment — and the ability to pay for all these expenses can be difficult when you have limited income from Social Security and retirement funds.

It is essential for savers to consider their retirement plans long before they get into their 50s or 60s. Those who start saving in their 20s and 30s will have a huge jump over those thinking about how to save when they are 10 or 15 years away from retiring. Using a traditional IRA (individual retirement account), Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, or 401(k) plan is a must for those who want a comfortable retirement.

If you have not saved much and are in the years approaching retirement, there are still actions you can take to make your golden years golden. It’s never too late to start saving, and traditional retirement vehicles are a great place to start.

Using traditional retirement plans is the most common wealth builder for those seeking a secure retirement. A combination of that, plus extra work, considering your other retirement options, avoiding some easy mistakes, and investing on the side can all get you that $1 million goal for your retirement.

Click here to see 10 ways to build $1 million by retirement.