09.24.2025 By Amy Miller, AFC®

Start Small, Plan BIG: A Realistic Guide to Retirement Saving

Retirement isn’t just for your grandparents. It’s for all of us. And more importantly, you don’t need to have it all figured out to start.

Related Topics

Retirement Savings

When you hear the word “retirement,” what comes to mind?

For some, it’s a vision of relaxing beach days or finally starting that passion project. For others, especially Gen Z and millennials, it might feel like a far-off fantasy, especially with student loans, rent, and everyday expenses taking priority.

But here’s the truth: retirement isn’t just for your grandparents. It’s for all of us. And more importantly, you don’t need to have it all figured out to start.

Why Retirement Saving Matters, No Matter Your Age

Saving for retirement is less about knowing the exact number you’ll need, and more about building a habit of putting something away consistently. Time is your best asset, and the earlier you start (even with small amounts) the more your money can grow thanks to compound interest.

But even if you’re starting later, that doesn’t mean you’re behind. The best time to start saving is when you can, and the best strategy is consistency.

Start Where You Are: A Step-by-Step Mindset

  1. Don’t worry about the “ideal” amount—just start. Whether it's $10 a paycheck or 1% of your income, the act of saving regularly sets the foundation.
  1. Use what’s available to you. If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan, take advantage, especially if there’s a match. No workplace plan? Open an IRA or Roth IRA with a trusted bank or credit union. (Learn more about types of retirement accounts here)
  1. Set a mini goal. Instead of thinking, “I need $1 million to retire,” start with a milestone like, “I want to save $500 this year.” Small wins build momentum.
  1. Automate it. Make it easy. Direct deposit or automatic transfers help you stick to your plan without having to think about it.
  1. Check in, don’t stress out. Life happens. Your contributions might fluctuate over time, and that’s okay. What matters is your intention and effort to build a secure future.

It’s Okay to Prioritize Competing Goals

It’s normal to feel torn between saving for retirement and other goals, like paying off debt, saving for a home, or affording daycare. The key is to build balance, not perfection. Retirement saving doesn’t have to come instead of your other goals, it can grow alongside them, even if at a slower pace.

Take the First Step

Whether you’re 21 or 61, you have a future worth investing in. Start where you are, use what you have, and commit to doing what you can. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to get started? Take the America Saves Pledge and choose “Retirement” as your savings goal to receive free tips, tools, resources, and encouragement from us.

Check out these related insights!

02.06.2024 By Amy Miller, AFC

Retirement Vehicles

02.05.2024 By Carolyn Pemberton

Saving Outside of Work Through an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

02.05.2024 By Breanna Johnston, AFC® Candidate & Carolyn Pemberton

6 Simple Steps To Jumpstart Your Retirement Savings!

Related Tags

CHECK OUT OTHER SAVINGS JOURNEYS FROM SAVERS JUST LIKE YOU

SHARE YOUR SAVINGS TIP OR STORY WITH US

If we feature you in our newsletter, you get $50.

You May Also Be Interested In...

Take the America Saves Pledge

Make a pledge to yourself and create a simple savings plan that works.

Connect to a Campaign

Connect with a local America Saves campaign for one-on-one help and to learn more about savings initiatives and events in your area.

Sign-up for ASAW

America Save at Work is a hub of information and resources to help employers promote financial wellness for their employees.

Partner News & Updates

Join the America Saves email list to receive information about engaging content and events throughout the year.