Want to Retire at 50? Avoid These 5 Pitfalls

People who want to retire early usually don't plan to spend those extra years under a beach umbrella. Not all the years, at least.

They want to escape the 40-hour workweek so they can travel the world, spend time with their family or chase a professional dream. And they want the option of relaxing on a beach if they so choose.

In other words, they want the freedom that comes with financial security and time. With some planning and dedication, it's possible to retire before you're 50 years old. But you must avoid the pitfalls that will keep you chained to your desk. They are:

Having children early: It's not that children are a negative factor. It's just that Mom and Dad tend to focus on their kids and forget their own retirement funds. Families that bring in $59,300 a year will spend $197,700 on average, or $11,000 a year, on each child until he or she is 18, according to a 2006 Department of Agriculture report. Families who make more spend more on their children.

If you expand your brood before you start investing in your retirement, you'll probably devote more money to your children. Failing to invest when you're young may force you to work more years when you're old.

Putting off saving: "There's still plenty of time." It's a convenient excuse when you're young and money is tight, but you'll be punching the clock longer if you believe that rationale. The earlier you start investing, the more interest you accrue, adding to your retirement fund's principal. Even if you can only invest a token amount, putting money away when you're young will help your retirement dreams come true.