Whether you're 25, 45 or even nearing 65, planning for retirement can look complicated. Don't worry. If you roll up your sleeves and make a plan, you'll be surprised at how not frightening it can be. It can be reassuring to get a firm handle on where you are in the process. How much money are you likely to have, for example? How much money will you need?

The key to retirement planning is not to be scared off by the number of things that need to be done. Make a list and plan gradually. Here's what needs to be on the list.
  1. Calculate Any Pension and Health Care Benefits

Although pensions are not as frequent as they once were, they're an excellent benefit if you have one. Go over your benefits from all past employers to see if you ever vested in any pension or health care benefits they offered. Some health care savings plans are available for rollover in retirement. Leave no stone unturned on these.

  1. Determine Your Social Security Benefits

Every U.S. citizen receives a calculation of what they'll receive at retirement age every year. Keep close tabs on this. It will change, of course, as your salary changes. But although Social Security is unlikely to cover your expenses completely, it's still a large chunk of retirement income for most people. It's important to know how much it will be. Think about the scenarios: At what age can you comfortably retire? If you retire early, you'll receive less in Social Security. If you can wait until you're 70, it will be more.

  1. Create a Dream Book

Retirement is a time to do what you want to do. Your children are grown, and your career has reached its end. Sit down and think about how you'd ideally spend your retirement. Do you want to move somewhere with open spaces and affordability? Will you become a culture vulture? Will you downsize and live close to grown children or other family? Will you take up golf or snorkeling? For now, don't think about the budget. Just think about what you want your retirement to look like.

  1. Develop a Realistic Budget

Creating a realistic retirement budget is a crucial step. For starters, just get a handle on how much your monthly expenses are likely to be. Certain costs - like vehicle maintenance and commuting to work - are likely to go down. But others - like health care for chronic conditions - may go up. Inflation will likely raise expenses such as groceries and utilities. Now is the time to think about how much your dream will cost. How much do you need to make it a reality? Will downsizing a house allow you to move? Will you want to move into assisted living, or age in place? Fees and retrofitting need to be factored into your budget.

  1. Save for Retirement

Savings for retirement is a key step at any age. If you're 25, saving just $23 per week could make you a millionaire by retirement age, assuming you can get a 12 percent rate of return. If you're nearer retirement age, it still makes sense to save. Individual retirement accounts will allow you to save tax-free, as will 401k plans, if your employer offers them.

Scared of the complications of retirement planning? Break it down into these key steps. It will be very manageable once you get a handle on how much income you'll have and what you want to do. And, of course, save as much as possible in retirement accounts.

Scott Huntington is a writer from central Pennsylvania. He enjoys working on his home and garden with his wife and 2 kids. Follow him on Twitter @SMHuntington