For most of us in years gone by retirement income wasn't usually something we spent a lot of time thinking about. It's only really when retirement becomes imminent that many of us turn our thoughts to the matter. It might seem that our years spent at work are endlessly long but, in terms of saving for the years ahead, they often aren't long enough. Even after forty-five years of regular employment many people still do not have enough money saved to provide the kind of retirement they would feel comfortable with.

That attitude has started to change in recent years. People now take greater care to provide for their retirement, but does anyone really know how much money will be needed to provide security in retirement? It's not a straightforward question but there are a few ways of helping yourself.

The most important thing to realize is that your current income is probably fixed. So, make a budget and see how much of it you can realistically save. Even small savings, which might seem unimportant by themselves, can build up over weeks and years. They increase your assets and be of benefit to your future income.

List all of your expenditure in an easy to make spread-sheet - or even a simple note book. Using this you will be able to see, easily and quickly, which expenses are fixed and which are not. Calculating your fixed expenses for a month will give you a better idea of your yearly outgoings.

Some of these expenses might not be as "fixed" as you think, though. For instance, in the summer months the money you would have spent on heating during the winter can be saved. But be aware that costs are always rising, so don't budget too far in advance.

An excellent way of increasing your retirement income is to find a hobby or interest that people will pay you for. For example, you might play a musical instrument, dance, or be good at a certain sport. People will happily pay to have their children coached in these and other disciplines. Perhaps you have craft skills and can sell the finished products. You will increase your retirement income and also have the pleasure of passing on something you love to others.

The kind of life you lead after quitting work will be determined to a large extent by your retirement income. A modest life on a small income may be just what some people desire. It needn't necessarily be like that, though. You might choose to supplement your retirement income by starting up a small business, perhaps in an area of interest to you.

A home computer and some internet literacy can bring many new opportunities as well as an income to help with bills, holidays and other expenses. The possibilities are limited only by your own imagination. So, don't delay, your retirement income is out there, just waiting for you to come and claim it.