Advances in medical care are keeping us healthier for longer - which means we could spend anywhere between 20 and 30 years in retirement.

That is why it is so important to start financial planning early, and think carefully about the sort of lifestyle you'll desire when you stop work - and the kind of investor you think you are.

As your biggest asset after your home is likely to be your super, it will pay to make sure you pick an investment plan which suits your goals and the level of risk you're prepared to take.

10 Steps to successful investing

If long term financial planning and superannuation research do not come easy to you, why not try these 10 simple steps to successful investment planning.

Step 1 Give yourself a pat on the back for getting to this stage. You've stopped delaying and started planning!

Step 2 Take a long hard look at where you are today. How much do you earn and where does your money go?

Step 3 Fast forward to your retirement for a moment. Beginning with the end result in mind means getting a clear picture of the life you'd like to be able to live when you're no longer working.

Step 4 Think about discussing your goals and needs with a licensed financial adviser.  Professional input can reassure you that you're on the right track or spot areas where you need to make adjustments. If you don't have an adviser, GESB Financial Advice can help you find one.

Step 5 Organise the information you gather into an action plan.

Step 6 Once you have an action plan, promise yourself that you'll follow it!

Step 7 Now think about investments which you and your financial adviser believe will best suit your retirement timeframe

Step 8 Diversify to multiply - make sure you spread your money across different investments to reduce your risk and smooth out your returns

Step 9 Don't lose focus! Now that you've started, be sure to keep your investments on track

Step 10 Review your investments each year or whenever your circumstances change. If you experience major change, go back to Step 1 and work your way through the process again.