Retirement Isn’t an Age—It’s a Number
Many people think of retirement as something to plan for “later”—in their 50s or 60s. But waiting too long can cost you time, growth, and options. The truth is, the earlier you start, the easier it is to retire on your terms.
Retirement planning isn’t just about choosing an account or saving what’s left over—it’s a long-term strategy to replace your income, minimize taxes, and create lasting financial independence. The sooner you start, the more powerful your plan becomes.
The Power of Compounding
Starting early gives your money time to grow—and that’s where the magic happens. When you invest, your money earns returns. Then those returns earn returns. This is compounding, and it’s one of the most powerful forces in finance.
Example:
- Start saving $500/month at age 25, earn 7% annually → You’ll have around $1 million by 65
- Start the same plan at 35 → You’ll have less than $500,000
You can’t make up for lost time by saving more later. Time is the real advantage.
Retirement Planning Isn’t Just About Saving
Saving money is only one part of the plan. Smart retirement planning also helps you:
- Reduce your tax burden
- Protect against inflation
- Choose the right investment mix
- Plan your income stream in retirement
- Avoid running out of money later in life
We help you build a complete strategy that covers more than just your 401(k). It’s about creating financial freedom at every stage.
Why Younger Investors Have an Edge
The earlier you start, the more control you have. Here’s why:
- More flexibility – You can make small course corrections instead of big sacrifices.
- More growth potential – Early savings have decades to compound.
- Lower risk of delay – Unexpected job changes, family needs, or health issues won’t derail your plan.
- More options later – Retire earlier, travel more, or choose lower-stress work.
You don’t need a perfect plan—you just need to get started.
What a Retirement Plan Should Include
Whether you’re in your 20s or nearing retirement, your plan should cover:
- Income goals – How much will you need per year in retirement?
- Savings strategy – What should you be putting away now?
- Account structure – 401(k), Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, SEP, or other vehicles?
- Investment approach – How aggressive should you be based on your timeline?
- Tax planning – Are you diversifying your tax exposure for future withdrawals?
- Healthcare costs – How will you cover medical expenses and long-term care?
We design every retirement plan to fit your goals—not just your age.
Common Mistakes That Cost You Later
- Waiting too long to start – Even one missed decade can dramatically reduce your options.
- Underestimating retirement expenses – You’ll need more than just “basic” income.
- Over-relying on Social Security – It was never designed to be your only source.
- Not adjusting for inflation – $50,000 today won’t go as far in 20 years.
- Skipping professional advice – Online calculators don’t know your full financial picture.
We help you avoid these pitfalls and build a plan that adjusts with your life.
How MB Wealth Advisors Can Help
We create personalized retirement plans that align with your goals, income, and lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting or playing catch-up, we’ll help you:
- Maximize employer retirement plans
- Choose between Roth vs. Traditional options
- Calculate how much you need and when you’ll need it
- Plan how and when to take distributions in retirement
- Coordinate your plan with taxes, insurance, and estate planning
And we don’t stop there. We review and update your plan regularly to make sure it keeps working for you.
Start Early. Retire Confident.
The best time to start planning for retirement is today. Whether you’re 25, 45, or 60—it’s not too early or too late. What matters is having a strategy that matches your goals.
Visit our Retirement Planning Services or call (704) 584-9363 to get started. You can also reach out using our secure contact form at mbwealthadvisors.com/contact/#connect.