Author: Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool

There’s no question about it: Saving aggressively for retirement requires you to give up certain things that could make your life easier or more enjoyable. But if you’re willing to make those sacrifices, you’ll be in a much stronger place financially once your golden years roll around.

The more prepared you are, the less likely you are to suffer a long-term financial hit in its aftermath.

If you’re one of them, consider this an important wake-up call.

Want to know what goes into your benefits? Here’s your answer.

Hint: It may not be as generous as you’d like it to be.