When did you/when will you start planning for retirement?

Frightened Inmate #2

I started putting a small portion of my paycheck into a 401(k) account when I was 21. My employer matched 25%.

I've done so well with that, that I've now got plenty of money for the rest of my life as long as I die by 4PM tomorrow.

No, seriously, when did/will you start?

Member

I started a 401k when I was 20. My employer matches 50% plus we get kick in's at the end of the year. Usually a % of our annual income. It's been as high as 7% and as low as 2%.

Member

25%? That's amazing!

My company puts in 9% and I put in 11 for now. I've also rolled over from previous employment, and am in the 6th year of a retirement plan.

Once the boys are out of daycare, I plan on bumping up some numbers and adding to their college funds. It will be odd having money again - daycare sucks us dry.

Member

Member

My financial advisor gives these away free to all his clients to put on their bumpers:

Frightened Inmate #2

Gone Fishin

damn the man for giving the penalty-free withdrawal for a home purchase

started in 93.. bought a house in 95
started again in 97 ..bought a house in 99
started again in 99
got a better job in 01
if all stays on course, 21 yrs to go Neutral

Member

I'm already 35 and I don't have a 401k. Cannot foresee having one for at least 1.5 years -- and that's if I get a job right after I graduate. I'll probably work until the day I die. I'm ok with that, too.

Member

Same as y'all - with my first pay check for my first job outta college.

Oompa Loofah

Military didn't have 401ks until recently (about 5 years) so, we started then. We started a college fund when Aire Jr was 5.

Being a SAHM doesn't pay much to sock away...

The Pinball

he started our 401K when he started working for the company in 82. they've decreased their matching portion over the years but it has still done OK, in spite of the years when we had chosen to invest in the "agressive stock fund" OUCH. mr. rock is one of about 4 people left at his company with a fully paid pension. i keep waiting for the bottom to fall out of that one. Neutral

my boys could swim

I have a little money...it's not much, but it's the best we can do.

Member

Let's just say I'm planning on dying young.

Pyromaniac

I put in 8% of my pay into a 401k, company matches with another 3%. Been at it for almost 20 years. I still currently have a pension plan also but there have been rumors flying around about that. I probably won't be destitute when I retire.

Member

I'll have my teacher retirement, some annuities, life insurance.....nothing great, but I don't plan on living very flashy....none of that condo in Boca and a big cadillac lifestyle......I think I'll get me a one bedroom cabin in East Texas and put out a trotline for catfish and pick up cans along the side of the road.....