Everyone knows that a good financial plan is key to building a retirement fund; even one bad investment can have a catastrophic effect on your savings. With this in mind, it's easy to understand why planning for retirement can be so stressful. But with proper guidance from the experts, it doesn't have to be. A leading company, SmartAsset, is using technology to solve this problem by matching investors with advisors who understand how to reach their client's retirement goals. With the right advisor, you can feel better that your future in retirement is secure. And, you can avoid making these five common mistakes that prevent many people from achieving their retirement goals.

Not Taking Professional Advice

Unless you're an advisor yourself, it's unwise to make a plan for your future without expert advice. The world of investing is complex, with a variety of tools available for different short and long term retirement goals. You wouldn't buy your future house without an expert inspection, so why would you make investments for retirement without the input of an advisor?

Using an Advisor with an Incompatible Strategy

Maybe you want to retire in 10 years, but your advisor is investing with a 30 year return in mind. Or maybe you want to invest cautiously, but your advisor has an aggressive plan in mind. SmartAsset helps with finding a financial advisor that understands your vision for your future. By matching you with a variety of advisors based on your needs, you'll be able to to personally vett them all in one place. SmartAsset will also locate as many advisors as you need in order to find the perfect match.

Not Starting Soon Enough

Planning for retirement takes time, which is why many people start saving before retirement is even on the horizon. It's never too soon to start making a plan for the future, to ensure you'll be able to fully realize the gains from your hard work and investments. If you haven't already, meet with a professional now to start investing in your future.

Not Asking for Credentials or Checking References

Did you know that not all advisors have the same credentials? Some have Series 7, Series 66 or Series 65 certifications, while others may be Certified Financial Planners or have graduate degrees in finance. Know what type of credential your advisor has, and how that will benefit your financial plan before making a commitment. All advisors matched by SmartAsset have their credentials clearly outlined in their bios, and are FINRA Registered Fiduciaries. This means they're practicing the "highest standard of care" when making financial recommendations. You can be sure they'll keep your best interests in mind when investing for your retirement, which will help keep your future secure.

Hiring the First Advisor You Meet

Although it's crucial to begin investing for retirement as soon as possible, it's an important decision not to rush into. Sure, the first advisor you meet may be friendly and organized, but have you looked at all your options? Being able to compare multiple advisors in one place is a huge advantage with SmartAsset, because it saves you the time and frustration of researching every individual advisor. You'll be able to review the bios of each advisor, on one page. Simple as that.