How to Save for Retirement (Even If You Feel Behind)

Let’s be real—saving for retirement feels impossible when you're just trying to make it through the month.

Groceries are up, gas is ridiculous, and you’re juggling bills, debt, and maybe even taking care of someone else.

So when someone says, “You should really be saving for retirement,” your first thought might be, “With what money?”

Trust me, I get it.

I’m here to show you that even if you feel behind…
Even if you don’t make six figures…
Even if you’re 40+ and thinking, “Is it too late?” —
You can still build something meaningful.

Let’s take this one step at a time.

Start Where You Are (Not Where You “Should” Be)

The biggest lie out there is that it’s too late.

It’s not.

The truth is, most people don’t start saving seriously until midlife—after they’ve paid off student loans, raised kids, or dealt with job changes and health setbacks.

What matters now is what you do today.

You’re not behind—you’re just starting your own timeline.

And no, you don’t need to overcorrect by dumping your whole paycheck into an account. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not necessary. Small, steady steps make a bigger difference than you think.

Step 1: Know How Much You Actually Need

You’ve probably heard scary numbers like $1 million or $2 million thrown around as “retirement goals.”

But guess what? That number depends on:

• Your lifestyle goals
• Where you want to live
• What your expenses will be (and what you’re already covering)

👉 A better question than “How much do I need?” is:
“How much will I spend each month in retirement?”

From there, we can work backward.

If you need $3,000/month and you expect $1,500/month from Social Security, then you only need your savings to cover the remaining $1,500/month.

That’s a very different equation than just blindly aiming for $1M.

And for some people, retiring debt-free in a lower cost-of-living area means they can comfortably live on less than expected.

Bonus Tip: Estimate Based on Your Lifestyle, Not Fear

Do you want to travel regularly? Live close to family? Spend more time gardening or volunteering?

Your lifestyle will shape your budget. Write it down, even roughly. Numbers feel less scary when you can see them.

You don’t have to chase a financial fantasy. You just have to plan for your real life.

Step 2: Automate Your Savings

One of the biggest shifts you can make is to treat saving like a bill—non-negotiable.

Start small.
Even $25 per week adds up to $1,300 a year. That’s not nothing.

Set up an automatic transfer from your checking to a retirement account, like a Roth IRA or a 401(k).
Out of sight, out of mind = less temptation to spend it.

If you get a raise or a tax refund, increase your contribution a little. It doesn’t have to hurt—just build gradually.

And yes, even if you’re self-employed or don’t have a 401(k), there are options. We’ll talk through them in a minute.

Step 3: Know Your Account Options

Here are the most common retirement accounts and what they’re good for:

✅ 401(k) – Offered through your employer. Many companies match your contributions (free money!), so always contribute at least enough to get the match.

✅ Roth IRA – You contribute after-tax dollars now, and your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Ideal if you think taxes will be higher later (hint: they probably will be).

✅ Traditional IRA – Contributions are pre-tax and reduce your taxable income now. You’ll pay taxes when you withdraw later.

✅ SEP IRA or Solo 401(k) – For freelancers and self-employed folks. These let you contribute a lot more than standard IRAs.

✅ HSA (Health Savings Account) – If you have a high-deductible health plan, an HSA can double as a stealth retirement account for future healthcare expenses. Contributions are pre-tax, grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are also tax-free.

If your head is spinning, don’t worry. You don’t need to understand everything. You just need to start with one.

Need Help Mapping This Out?

Grab my free guide: 7 Money Rules You Must Learn Before It’s Too Late

It gives you a clear snapshot of the habits that matter most:

✔️ Living within your means
✔️ Starting retirement savings early
✔️ Building an emergency fund
✔️ Avoiding debt and financial stress
✔️ Creating passive income
✔️ Budgeting with real-life expenses in mind
✔️ Investing to grow your money over time

If you’ve been overwhelmed by all the advice out there, this guide gives you a simple, empowering place to start.

📌 Download the 7 Money Rules Free Guide

Step 4: Learn How the System Really Works

Saving for retirement isn’t just about tucking away money—it’s about understanding how the game is played.

Did you know most people lose tens of thousands of dollars over time just by keeping their savings in the wrong place?
Or that not understanding compound interest can cost you your future freedom?

📚 That’s why I always recommend reading the How Money Works Free Ebook.
It helps you understand why financial education matters, how the system keeps most people stuck, and what you can do differently—starting now.

It's not about being perfect with money. It’s about getting informed so you can stop being taken advantage of.

📌 Read the How Money Works Free Ebook Overview

Step 5: Track Your Progress Like a Boss

Once you start saving—even a little—you’ll want to track it.

📦 That’s where my Financial Planner Bundle comes in.

It’s $47 and includes printable tools like:

• A retirement savings tracker
• A budget planner
• A debt tracker (because paying off debt is saving money)
• A financial goals sheet

Seeing your wins on paper is so motivating—and way more powerful than relying on memory or random apps.

📌 Grab the Financial Planner Bundle ($47)

Still Feeling Stuck? Let’s Talk.

If you’re still thinking:

“I have no idea what to do first…”

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Book your free intro strategy call with me and my mentor Joy.

We’ll walk through:

• What’s stressing you out financially
• Where you want to be
• What small action steps can move you forward without burning you out

This is a short 15-minute intro call to make sure you're ready for deeper strategy work—no pressure, just clarity.

📌 Book Your Free Strategy Call with Me + Joy

Your Future Self Will Thank You

You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to save a million dollars.
You don’t need to have started in your 20s.

You just need to start now.

Even if it's $25/month. Even if it’s messy. Even if you don’t fully understand everything yet.

Because every dollar you set aside is a step toward freedom—and a future where money isn’t a constant source of anxiety.

You deserve that peace of mind. And you’re closer than you think.

📌 Quick Links Recap

• Download the 7 Money Rules Free Guide
• Grab the Financial Planner Bundle ($47)
• Read the How Money Works Free Ebook
• Book Your Free Strategy Call with Me + Joy

Affiliate Disclaimer

This blog may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on a link and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. As an affiliate, I only recommend products that I personally use, trust, and believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this content free and allows me to continue sharing helpful tips and resources.

I am not a medical professional, and the information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your skincare or wellness routine.