Retirement: Your Future Self Will Thank You

I remember sitting across from a client a few years ago. She was in her late 50s, a hard worker, someone who had spent years building a career and raising a family. She sighed and said, "I just don’t know if I’ll ever be able to retire."

She wasn’t alone in that worry. A lot of people put off thinking about retirement because life gets busy. There are bills to pay, kids to raise, and careers to grow. Saving for the future can feel like something to figure out later.

But here is the thing. Later comes faster than we think.

Small Steps, Big Impact

I have seen people start small and completely change their future. One client began putting away just $50 a month in her 30s. It did not seem like much at first, but over time, that money grew. When she hit her 60s, she had built a comfortable nest egg. One that gave her choices. She could travel, spend time with family, and not worry about whether she could afford to retire.

Another client, in his early 40s, had never thought much about retirement. He had a good job but no real savings. When we sat down to review his finances, we created a plan that allowed him to start setting aside $300 a month. Within a few years, he had built momentum and even increased his contributions. By the time he reached his 60s, he had saved enough to retire comfortably.

The truth is, retirement is not about an exact number in the bank. It is about having options. It is about knowing you can slow down when you are ready without stress or fear.

How to Start No Matter Where You Are

No matter where you are in life, there is always a way to start preparing for retirement. The key is consistency. Even small contributions can add up over time.

• In Your 20s or 30s: This is the best time to start. Even if you can only save a small amount, compounding works like magic. The earlier you start, the more you gain.

• In Your 40s or 50s: If you have not saved much yet, do not panic. You still have time. It might mean increasing your contributions, making smart investment choices, or adjusting your retirement timeline slightly. Every little bit helps.

• Near Retirement: Even if you are close to retirement age, strategic planning can help you maximize your savings. Looking into tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, delaying certain benefits, or adjusting your lifestyle slightly can make a significant difference.

The Life You Want on Your Terms

Retirement is not about leaving work behind just because you hit a certain age. It is about freedom. The freedom to wake up and decide how you want to spend your day.

Maybe you will travel, start a passion project, or just enjoy slow mornings with coffee and a good book. Some people take up hobbies they never had time for, while others explore part-time work or volunteer opportunities to stay engaged.

I have worked with people who never thought they would be able to retire, only to find that with a little planning, they could create the future they wanted.

And you can too.

Start Today, Thank Yourself Tomorrow

So here is my question for you. What does your dream retirement look like? Picture it. Imagine where you would be, what you would be doing, and how you would feel waking up each morning.

Now, start taking steps to make it real. Your future self will thank you.

💡 What is one thing you would love to do in retirement? Send me a message or share your thoughts on Instagram - kerryknowsmoney!

The best retirement plan isn’t just about money. It’s about creating a life you’re excited to wake up to.

Kerry Rizzo