Longtime Washington Post columnist and retirement expert Stan Hinden has said that preparing for retirement is like preparing for a long trip overseas. For a vacation, you'd research all manner of logistics -- where to stay, where to sightsee, where to eat, how to get from place to place, how to pay for things, what languages you'll need to brush up on in advance, and more.

Retirement planning is no different. In the video below, Robert Brokamp, a Certified Financial Planner and advisor of Motley Fool Rule Your Retirement, tells senior editor Dayana Yochim four things would-be retirees should absolutely prepare before their golden years begin.