5 Easy Moves to Save for Retirement in Your 20s

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1. Start Small, but Start Now

You don’t need to be rich to start saving for retirement. You just need to start.

Even $25 a week can grow into something massive if you give it time.

Here’s why early saving pays off:

• Compounding power turns small amounts into serious money.
  
• Builds discipline, teaching you to save consistently.
  
• Buys freedom, since every dollar saved now is one less you’ll stress about later.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set a small, consistent goal. like 5% of your paycheck. and increase it as your income grows.

Make It Easy: Use Boldin to project how much your small savings will grow by age 60.

2. Automate Your Savings Before You Even See the Money

The secret to saving is removing the temptation to spend.

Automation makes saving effortless. You’ll never miss what you don’t see.

Here’s why it works like a charm:

• Zero effort, since transfers happen automatically.
  
• Consistent growth, even when you’re busy or forgetful.
  
• Less guilt, because your money’s working before you touch it.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a retirement account right after payday.

3. Take Advantage of Employer 401(k) Matching

If your employer offers a match, that’s free money. literally.

Skipping it is like walking past a stack of cash and pretending you don’t see it.

Here’s why you can’t ignore this:

• Instant 100% return, from employer-matched contributions.
  
• Boosts long-term growth, since both your money and theirs compound.
  
• Easiest wealth-building tool, especially early in your career.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Contribute at least enough to your 401(k) to get the full match. It’s the fastest wealth hack there is.

4. Keep Lifestyle Inflation Under Control

When your income goes up, it’s easy to let your spending follow.

But if you keep your lifestyle steady, your savings will skyrocket.

Here’s why it matters:

• Frees up extra cash to boost investments or pay off debt.
  
• Keeps priorities clear, so your goals grow faster than your expenses.
  
• Prevents regret, because you’ll own assets, not just stuff.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Each time you get a raise, save half of it and enjoy the rest guilt-free.

Make It Easy: Try Rocket Money to flag new spending habits before they get out of hand.

5. Invest in Yourself as Much as You Invest in the Market

Your earning power is the biggest asset in your 20s.

The more skills you develop, the more you can save and invest later.

Here’s why this is key:

• Increases income, giving you more to save every month.
  
• Expands opportunities, opening new career or business paths.
  
• Pays long-term, since knowledge compounds just like money.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Take online courses or certifications that boost your career value and earning potential.

Make It Easy: Try Blinkist to absorb financial and career books fast. perfect for busy 20-somethings on the go.

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