Three Things 20-Somethings Can do to Prepare for Retirement

The word "retirement" often evokes images of rocking chairs and relaxation, but experts say it’s never too early to start thinking about your golden years--even if you’re still into fast cars and dance clubs.

The earlier you start investing for retirement, the longer your money has to mature and grow and individuals who start saving in their 20s are at a serious advantage over those who wait until middle age. We checked in with financial planners who detailed three things 20-something year olds should do to get a jump on life after the workforce.

1. Enroll in Your Employer’s Retirement Plan Now, Especially if They Match 

If you are eligible for an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), start contributing a small amount each pay period, says Danny Payne, certified financial planner at Stout Payne Waner in Redlands, Calif.

There's rarely a good reason to not contribute to your company retirement plan up to the match, adds  H. Jude Boudreaux, founder of Upperline Financial Planning in New Orleans. “It's bonus money that your company wants to pay you, and a bonus return on your investments.”

If your company offers a Roth IRA, contribute to it, says Boudreaux. Even though you'll be taxed on contributions to a Roth now, he says the benefit of tax-free growth for 30-40 years will be enormous, not to mention the tax-free withdrawals after age 65.  

A little savings goes a long way when time is on your side, says Payne, adding that people who start saving in their 20s are at a real advantage.

“Let’s assume a 25 year old contributes $100 per month to their employer-provided retirement plan and the employer throws in $100 per month in the form of a match. If the account grows at an 8% average annual rate of return until age 65, they would accumulate $698,000,” says Payne. “If they instead delayed contributing until age 35 under these assumptions, their account would only grow to $298,000.”

2. No Employer-Sponsored Plan? Start Your Own 

If your employer doesn’t offer a retirement plan, establish your own traditional IRA or Roth IRA account.

Yes, there are plenty of other financial obligations in your 20s like student loans, rent and car payments, but experts say you can’t afford not to contribute a little toward retirement given the amount of time it will have to compound and bulk up your nest egg. Individuals are allowed to contribute up to $5,000 into an Roth IRA in 2011.

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Three Things 20-Somethings Can do to Prepare for Retirement

If your company offers a Roth IRA, contribute to it, says Boudreaux. Even though you'll be taxed on contributions to a Roth now, he says the benefit of tax-free growth for 30-40 years will be enormous, not to mention the tax-free withdrawals after age



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Dave Ramsey says NOT to cash out an ira only if it is to avoid a ...

My take on it. never ever take 401k, IRA(regular, Roth), Sep IRA, solo 401k to pay for something for the reason that every one of the retirement revenue are protected by bankruptcy law sign by Mr. Bush on Oct, 2006

If you need to declare bankruptcy, do it. But usually do not TAKE THE revenue OUT of IRA, 401k, .That the stupidest thought you can ruin your individual finance.

If you need to walk away from your home, do it. usually do not TAKE THE revenue out of IRA,401k. they\’re PROTECTED from debtors. poor thought.

Did not matter your IRA has 100k, 1 millions, five millions, 10millions, 100millions, you will be protected by the LAW. But on moral obligation, paying back will be the correct issue to complete should you have the imply to complete so. No matter the law, Dave Ramsey ought to advocate much more individual responsibility. Debts usually do not just go away. The rest of society has to choose up the bill, and it is just not kosher to shift your debts to other people (I consider it truly is akin to stealing – - obtaining a thing after which not paying for it.) Society does have sympathy for main medical bills causing the bankruptcy, or death with the wage earner; but poor choices on getting a home…? I know that realistically some men and women are practically dead within the water in this economic system, so moral duty vs law can be a hard call. From what i\’ve heard of DR on this internet website, I don't like his extreme teachings.


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