Tough times often cause people to fantasize about retirement, especially on warm summer days like today. Never happens to me, of course. I'm speaking in general here.

People like my sister Lynda and her husband even make a hobby out of looking at possible retirement locales. They read articles about what to consider as they think about the perfect spot to kick up their heels. They seek out magazines that claim to have lists of ideal retirement locations.

But some recent surveys suggests that Mainers and others should pay more attention to paying their bills in retirement and less time daydreaming about it.

An Ernst & Young LLP study published this week found that 76 percent of those near retirement and 64 percent of those at retirement are likely to outlive their financial assets. Married couples and single females were particularly at risk, the study found.

The study, which was done for Americans for Secure Retirement, argued that Mainers and other Americans need to be socking more money away to supplement Social Security.

But another survey -- this one by AARP -- notes that the opposite action is taking place. People are dipping into retirement saving and cutting back on contributions because they feel that they can't keep up with bills.

Fully 27 percent of workers over 45 years of age have postponed retirement plans. And many people are cutting back on discretionary spending because they are so worried about the business climate.

Pretty smart. Financial planning experts regularly say that Americans need to cut back in small ways and put that money aside because the longer it is in savings, the greater the payback at retirement.

So, as the slogan goes, "dream a little." But focus a lot on how you can keep money in the bank, even during tough economic times, because retirement will creep up on you.

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