Create a multi-year annual budget in Microsoft Excel.

Include the following in your budget.

- Common budget items income and expenses. Include cost of living adjustments (inflation).

- Retirement income from investment accounts. All investments earn a return. Assume taxable investments only earn income/capital gain in retirement.

- Social security income. Estimate your social security benefit in a separate worksheet.

- Purchase a home at a time determined by you. Create an amortization schedule in separate worksheet. Include property taxes, home insurance and inflation.

- Including credit card debt payments is optional. Keeping track of the balance is optional, but ensure you estimate when payments end.

- Including student loans payments is optional. Keeping track of the balance is optional, but ensure you estimate when payments end.

- Contribution, investment and distribution for a Traditional 401K (include company match), Roth IRA and Taxable Investments. Adhere to all limits.

- Track asset account balances (investments, cash savings) in a separate worksheet. Tracking of liability account balances (loan, credit cards) is optional.

- Income taxes (20% of taxable income), other payroll taxes (10% of taxable income) and deductions ($25,000 per year).

- Annual net cash flow and track balance. - Inflation/Cost of Living Adjustments where necessary.

- Time value of money calculations where appropriate.

- Account for all retirement plan contribution, investment and distribution rules and limits. Adjust limits for inflation.