When Should You Start Saving for Retirement? (The Sooner, the Better)

Quality Wealth Financial Solutions
June 2, 2025
When Should You Start Saving for Retirement? (The Sooner, the Better)

Retirement Planning Starts Now—Not Later

Many people delay saving for retirement because it feels far away. But here’s the truth: the sooner you start, the easier it becomes. Thanks to the power of compound interest, even small contributions can grow into a significant nest egg over time.

Whether you're in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, the best time to start saving for retirement is today.

Why Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset

Compound interest works like magic over time. When you invest early, your money earns interest—not just on your contributions, but on the interest itself.

Example:

  • Saving $200/month starting at age 25 could grow to $500,000+ by age 65.
  • Start at 35, and you’d need nearly double the contribution to reach the same result.

📈 Lesson: Time beats timing. Start early, even if it's a small amount.

How Much Should You Save?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some starting points:

  • Aim to save 10–15% of your income for retirement.
  • Use online retirement calculators to estimate your future needs.
  • Consider lifestyle, inflation, and health costs in your planning.

Start with what you can—and increase as your income grows.

Choose the Right Retirement Accounts

Your savings vehicle matters. In Canada, popular options include:

  • RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan): Tax-deductible contributions + tax-deferred growth.
  • TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account): Tax-free withdrawals + flexible investment choices.
  • Employer Pension Plans: Take full advantage of any matching contributions—it’s free money.

🛠️ A combination of RRSPs and TFSAs offers great tax efficiency and flexibility.

Where Should You Invest?

A solid retirement plan includes smart investing based on your time horizon and risk tolerance:

  • In your 20s/30s: Focus on growth (stocks, ETFs).
  • In your 40s/50s: Start shifting toward balance (mix of stocks and bonds).
  • In your 60s and beyond: Emphasize income and preservation.

Consult a financial advisor to tailor a portfolio that works for you.

Don’t Let “Too Late” Stop You

Think you’ve started too late? You haven’t. Every dollar you save today reduces your financial stress tomorrow.

Even if retirement is 10 or 15 years away, there are powerful catch-up strategies, like:

  • Maximizing RRSP contributions
  • Investing more aggressively
  • Deferring retirement age by a few years

It's never too late to start planning—only too late to keep waiting.

Let’s Build a Future You Can Rely On

Your future lifestyle depends on the choices you make today. Whether you’re just starting out or playing catch-up, smart retirement planning is the key to financial freedom.

🧠 Speak with one of our retirement planning specialists and take the first step toward a secure, stress-free retirement.

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Retirement Savings
Investment Strategies
Quality Wealth Financial Solutions
June 2, 2025