For those people just entering the work force – ask your employer if they have an employer retirement plan and if they match employee contributions.  You may have student loans and feel the need to pay those off as soon as possible.  While that’s an admirable goal, don’t lose sight of free money from your employer and the compounding benefit of starting your retirement saving early.  Saving even $166/mo for 20 years at 4% will accumulate to $61,000.  An employer match will further compound that.  Get started early. See more information from the Department of Labor  | RELATED ARTICLE: Understanding Retirement Plans