This CBC article addresses two issues for people moving into their pre-retirement phase (late forties to mid-fifties): massive debt, and not knowing if they have enough money to retire.

Canadians burdened with hefty debt worry about retirement: CBC Toronto

In the article, a financial advisor offers the following advice:

• Look at your total net worth (everything you own vs. everything you owe).
• How much are you earning today and how much are you spending?
• What do you want to live on when you aren’t working — be honest, is that doable?
• Break it down to “pots” of money (RRSP, pension, savings, property value).

Then it’s time to do the math and she says your answer should be pretty clear.

As a finances coach, these steps are what I would help you with. Many people I’ve talked to have stated that they want to organize their finances, but I suspect that most find the process a little overwhelming.