Retirement Might Feel Far Away But Here’s Why You Should CareNow.

When you’re in your 20s or early 30s, retirement can feel like a lifetime away—something to worry about when you’re older, settled, or “more ready.” But here’s the truth:

The earlier you start, the more freedom you’ll have.

Freedom to choose when to retire. Freedom to travel, volunteer, start a business—or just relax.

Even though it feels distant now, the future comes faster than we expect. And what you do today can have a massive impact on the life you’ll live tomorrow.

Why It’s So Hard to Think About Retirement in Your 20s

You’re focused on building your career, paying off student loans, maybe saving for a home. Thinking about retirement feels… premature.

That’s completely normal.

But here’s the flip side:
Your 20s and 30s are the most powerful decades for building wealth—not because you’re earning the most, but because you have the most time for your money to grow.

The Magic of Starting Early: Meet Compound Growth

Imagine you invest $200 a month starting at age 25. By the time you’re 65, assuming a 7% average annual return, you’d have around $525,000.

But if you wait until 35 to start? You’ll only have $245,000—less than half.

The difference isn’t how much you saved.
It’s when you started.

This is called compound growth—your money earns interest, and then that interest earns interest, snowballing over time.

Your Future Self Has Big Dreams—Make Sure They’re Funded

Retirement isn’t just about stopping work. It’s about living with options and autonomy:

  • Choosing where and how you live

  • Traveling or pursuing passion projects

  • Supporting loved ones or causes

  • Not relying on your children or the government

Starting now gives you control over those choices, not just your circumstances.

Retirement Accounts 101: Where to Start

You don’t need to know everything to begin. A few key tools can put you on the right path:

1. 401(k) or 403(b)

Offered by many employers, these allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars (or Roth, if available).
Pro tip: If your employer offers a match—take it! That’s free money.

2. Roth IRA

Great for young earners, a Roth IRA lets you contribute after-tax money that grows tax-free. That means no taxes on withdrawals in retirement.

3. HSA (Health Savings Account)

If you’re eligible, this account offers a triple tax benefit—you can use it for healthcare expenses now or even treat it like a retirement account later.

It’s Not About Perfection—It’s About Progress

Maybe you can’t max out your retirement accounts yet. That’s okay.

Start with what you can:

  • $50/month is better than nothing.

  • Automate it so you don’t forget.

  • Increase your contribution each time you get a raise.

Your future self doesn’t need you to be perfect—they just need you to get started.

Investing Early = Buying Yourself Time

Want to retire at 60 instead of 70?
Take time off to raise kids?
Have enough saved to travel in your 50s?

All of that becomes possible when you start planning now.

Because the later you start, the harder you have to work to catch up. But if you begin early—even with small amounts—you give your money time to do the heavy lifting.

Final Thought: The Best Time to Plant a Tree Was 20 Years Ago… The Second-Best Time Is Today

It’s never too early—or too late—to invest in your future.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. At Apriem, we’re passionate about helping the next generation build a strong foundation—without jargon, shame, or stress.

Your journey to a secure, purpose-filled future starts now.

Need help setting up your first retirement plan?

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us at bri@apriem.com to start your journey toward a future full of freedom.