Summer is here, and the future is brighter than ever. If you are busy planning, saving and budgeting for a summer vacation, use these tips to make the most out of your summer and get your retirement savings on track.

1. Spend less and save more. With this warmer weather, nothing sounds better than going out to dinner with your family or significant other after a long and stressful week at work. However, going to your favorite dinner spot can lead to more stress down the road. Consider making a meal at home and using the money saved to get ahead on retirement savings.

2. Make use of financial resources.  Saving for retirement can seem complicated, but there are tools that can help you plan. With plenty of resources such as mobile apps, books, and blogs (like this one) available at your fingertips, you can take full control of your retirement savings. Take advantage of tools like the retirement calculator to estimate your retirement living expenses or determine your Social Security retirement income.

3. Diversify your portfolio. Whether that means putting aside some money into your 401(k) or another savings account, avoid putting all your nest eggs in one basket.  Diversifying your portfolio also allows you to maximize potential gain and minimize risk. Go beyond the workforce and consider other options like purchasing a fixed indexed annuity. Adding a fixed indexed annuity to your portfolio can help ensure a lifetime stream of income.

3 Simple Ways to Save for Retirement