Don't let present worries distract you from planning for the future

There's plenty for workers to think about — and worry about — these days.

Those of us who have jobs are grateful, knowing that the ups and downs of the economy could leave us out of work at any time. We've seen it happen to so many friends and colleagues over the last few years that we can hardly help half-expecting it ourselves.

Even as we feel gratitude for the jobs we have, many of us struggle to make ends meet, sometimes wondering whether our money will last until the next payday.

With all of these real, immediate concerns, it can be difficult to focus on the future.

I've been lucky during my career to work for employers who offered not only 401(k) or equivalent plans, but also defined benefit pension plans. I've tried hard to contribute at least something to my retirement out of every paycheck. And, since the day when I'll be able to leave the work force is still far, far in the future, I haven't let the stock market's fluctuations get me down.

But according to a new phone survey of 2,000 U.S. adults by ING DIRECT, many Americans are struggling to keep an eye on their retirement goals as they work through their daily lives.

The survey found that 89 percent of Americans agree that saving for retirement should start with a person's first job and continue throughout his or her working life. But that doesn't mean people are following their own advice.

"While Americans know they should be saving, they are making too many excuses or are not paying enough attention," ING DIRECT said in a press release regarding the survey. "More than a third (34 percent) of those who deduct a percentage of their paycheck and just under half (47 percent) of those who give a fixed amount, don’t know how much they currently contribute. And a third of Americans (33 percent) think it’s OK to defer retirement savings to pay for another need."

I've been tempted to do that. As I try to support my family and build a balanced life, it would be seductively easy to take a break from making retirement contributions for a few years. I could use that money to upgrade our home, go on a family trip or do any of a number of other things.

However, I have always faced down that temptation and stayed the course. In fact, I'm going to take advantage of a free retirement planning counseling session offered by my new employer next month to make sure I'm on the right track. (Have I mentioned how much my workplace focuses on helping employees find balance in all aspects of their lives? It really is refreshing to see.)