It's never too early to start saving for retirement. But your strategy at 25 won't be the same as when you're 65.
In fact, as you get older, there are some key ages you want to keep in mind. For example, once you hit age 50 you can boost how much you contribute to your 401(k) and IRA because you'll qualify for "catch up" contributions. By the time you turn age 59 1/2, you can access money in IRAs and other retirement accounts without having to worry about incurring early-withdrawal penalties, which disappear at this age.
To learn more about the significant age milestones on the path to retirement, take a look at our slide show. The timeline lays out what you need to do, and when you need to do it, to make the most of your savings.
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Retirement Timeline
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Social Security New Rule: Overpayments Must Be Paid Back 100%. Why It MattersAs of March 27, the SSA will require beneficiaries who have been accidentally overpaid to repay 100% of the money, reversing a previous policy that allowed for only 10% recoupment.
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Medicare and Medicaid Employees Offered New Buyouts: What You Need to KnowFederal HHS workers who inspect food, research diseases and administer Medicare and Medicaid are offered $25,000 buyouts
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What Does Medicare Not Cover? Eight Things You Should KnowHealthy Living on a Budget Medicare Part A and Part B leave gaps in your healthcare coverage. But Medicare Advantage has problems, too.
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15 Reasons You'll Regret an RV in RetirementMaking Your Money Last Here's why you might regret an RV in retirement. RV-savvy retirees talk about the downsides of spending retirement in a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel or other recreational vehicle.
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457 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025Retirement plans There are higher 457 plan contribution limits for state and local government workers in 2025. That's good news for state and local government employees
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13 Smart Estate Planning Movesretirement Follow this estate planning checklist for you (and your heirs) to hold on to more of your hard-earned money.
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Medicare Basics: 11 Things You Need to KnowMedicare There's Medicare Part A, Part B, Part D, Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans and so on. We sort out the confusion about signing up for Medicare — and much more.
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The Seven Worst Assets to Leave Your Kids or Grandkidsinheritance Leaving these assets to your loved ones may be more trouble than it’s worth. Here's how to avoid adding to their grief after you're gone.
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SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2025SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $69,000 in 2024 and $70,000 in 2025..
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Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
