STEPS TO TAKE
It’s a good idea to have contributions to a workplace retirement account deducted from your paycheck automatically. According to Smith, you won’t have a chance to spend the money, and you’ll get used to living on what is left after you pay yourself first.
If there’s not enough room in your budget to set aside 15 percent, save enough to get the full matching contribution from your employer, assuming your company offers a match for retirement contributions. Otherwise, you’re leaving free money on the table.