Author: Maurie Backman, The Motley Fool

Consider this your wake up call.

Think 65 is the right time for Social Security? Think again.

Countless workers look forward to retirement and the opportunity to do what they want with their time. But if you’re not careful, retirement could end up being nothing more than an extended period of financial stress. Here are a few moves that could leave you distraught and cash-strapped during your golden years, so be sure to avoid them at all costs.

Are your savings adequate? Or do you need to do better?