​Are you a millennial with nothing saved for retirement? You’re not alone. According to a new report from the National Institute on Retirement Security, two-thirds of people between the ages of 21 and 32 have nothing saved for retirement.1
 
Of course, you may not think that retirement should be a big priority for you right now. After all, if you’re in your 20s, you may have more than 40 years left until you retire. You also may be dealing with more pressing financial issues, such as student loan payments or credit card debt.
 
While it may seem like retirement is too far out on the horizon to worry about today, now may be the right time for you to start saving for your retirement. Below are three reasons why it pays to start your savings plan in your 20s. A financial professional can help you develop and implement a savings plan.

​To live your dream retirement, you’ll need to have a strong financial foundation as you enter retirement. That’s why you may want to create a list of financial goals to achieve before you stop working. Your list of financial goals should align with your unique needs and goals. However, some items are nearly universal for a comfortable and financially stable retirement. Three such items are listed below. If you’re preparing for retirement, you may want to develop a plan to hit these milestones.

​Are you self-employed? If so, you may be living your dream. You set your schedule, run your business the way you like and answer to yourself. You may even get to earn income doing what you love. While self-employment can be challenging, it can also be greatly fulfilling.
 
Self-employment can present unique challenges, however, especially when it comes to retirement planning. While traditional employees can participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan or pension, self-employed individuals have to do it on their own. That can be a significant burden.
 
Since you work for yourself, you may believe that you can delay retirement as long as possible. However, that assumption may be incorrect. There’s always the risk that you could be forced into retirement at some point because of illness or injury. Or you may simply decide you want to pursue other activities. Should that time arrive, you’ll be far more prepared if you have a plan in place.