Or retire early&#x2F;rich. This is why I encourage my younger coworkers (well, all of them really) to try and put as much into an IRA and their 401k as they can afford (ideally maxing it, once that&#x27;s done every pay raise goes entirely to you and the gov&#x27;t (as taxes)). When you&#x27;re in your twenties you usually have a far higher tolerance for discomfort (so if you want to travel you&#x27;re more willing to do the hostel stays and such) and have fewer external obligations. By the time you&#x27;re in your 30s you&#x27;re making enough money (as a professional engineer&#x2F;scientist type in my field) that those contributions are a small (but still significant) part of your income, and if you need to reduce it to cover family expenses you still have a lot of money banked and earning towards your retirement.