{"id":665,"date":"2025-02-06T11:28:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T17:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/104.130.120.41\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=665"},"modified":"2026-01-31T14:47:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T20:47:37","slug":"make-saving-for-retirement-a-reality","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/make-saving-for-retirement-a-reality\/","title":{"rendered":"How to start a retirement fund"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re just starting your first job or only a few years from finishing your career, it&#8217;s important to know how to start saving for retirement. Early retirement planning is best, of course, but if you learn how to budget your money, you can plan and put away savings for your future at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-start-saving-for-retirement\">How to start saving for retirement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many ways to save, and they all center on two key principles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start saving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep saving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That sounds simple, but because it&#8217;s even easier not to save, many folks put off getting started on their retirement savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2119\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477.jpg\" alt=\"A young couple sits down and plans their retirement finances.\" class=\"wp-image-3107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477.jpg 2119w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477-300x127.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477-780x331.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477-768x326.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477-1536x652.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477-2048x870.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_1-INARTICLE-e1505750537477-730x310.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2119px) 100vw, 2119px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-practical-tips-to-make-saving-for-retirement-a-reality\">Practical tips to make saving for retirement a reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Start saving <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/4-ways-millennials-should-save-for-retirement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">as soon as you can<\/a>. If you make saving a habit early, you are more likely to stick with it over time. Also, the earlier you start, the more your savings can build over time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Put your savings into interest-bearing accounts with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/compounding-your-savings-for-retirement\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">compound interest<\/a>. This will allow you to build your retirement savings faster because you\u2019ll earn interest on the amount you have contributed as well as the interest you have earned in prior periods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add to your savings regularly. If possible, set up salary direct deposits so that some amount of money is taken from each paycheck to go into savings. If you never see this amount in your take-home pay, you&#8217;re less likely to spend it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you can manage it, put your maximum allowed amount into your 401(k) or IRA each year. You may be eligible for tax savings tied to the amount you save.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2287\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup of a man sitting at his desk, going over his finances, and punching keys on a calculator.\" class=\"wp-image-3108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535.jpg 2287w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535-300x105.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535-780x273.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535-768x269.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535-1536x537.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535-2048x716.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_2-FULL-e1505750593535-730x255.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2287px) 100vw, 2287px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take full advantage of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/employer-sponsored-retirement-plans-adding-up-the-pluses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">your company&#8217;s matching contributions<\/a> to your 401(k). Some companies may match 3% to 5% of any contributions you make. You could be leaving money on the table if you don&#8217;t take advantage of your company&#8217;s 401(k) match.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use pre-tax benefits that your company offers: health care savings accounts, dependent care support, transportation benefits, tuition aid, and others. This can lower your tax liability so you have a little more money left over at tax time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have a windfall, like an inheritance or a tax refund, put some of that money into savings. When you have a salary increase, give your salary direct deposit a raise too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/employer-sponsored-retirement-plans-adding-up-the-pluses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">budget your money<\/a>. Include your retirement savings as one of your regular &#8220;expenses,&#8221; just like your mortgage or rent and utilities, and then be sure to pay it each month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t steal from your savings. When you withdraw funds from a savings account, you&#8217;re missing out on the compounding interest you&#8217;ll get on those funds in the future. If this is a tax-deferred retirement account, you may also have to pay an early withdrawal penalty on top of the tax you&#8217;ll have to pay the IRS.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"w-100 mb-8 md:mb-[60px] md:mt-[30px] max-h-[400px] overflow-hidden\">\n    <picture class=\"flex w-full\">                                                             \n        <source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_0_02-MARQUEE-scaled-e1764802381341-1-991x399.jpg?v=47'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-992x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 755px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_0_02-MARQUEE-scaled-e1764802381341-1-991x399.jpg?v=47'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-992x400.jpg?v=6.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 755px)\">        <source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_0_02-MARQUEE-scaled-e1764802381341-1-1199x399.jpg?v=47'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-1200x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 992px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_0_02-MARQUEE-scaled-e1764802381341-1-1199x399.jpg?v=47'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-1200x400.jpg?v=6.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 992px)\">        <source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_0_02-MARQUEE-scaled-e1764802381341-1-1399x399.jpg?v=47'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-1400x400.jpg.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\"><source src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_0_02-MARQUEE-scaled-e1764802381341-1-1399x399.jpg?v=47'  data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-1400x400.jpg?v=6.jpg\" media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\">        <img src='https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-754x221.jpg?v=6' style='max-width:100%;' data-src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Making-Saving-for-Retirement-a-Reality_3-INARTICLE-755x222.jpg?v=6.jpg\" alt=\"Couple standing on dock in front of a small yacht\" class=\"lazy object-cover w-full\" loading=\"lazy\" >                        \n    <\/picture>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<p>As you begin your early retirement planning, set savings goals and track your progress against the goals. If you&#8217;re not making the progress you want, make adjustments to your financial lifestyle to get on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: Anyone can learn how to start saving for retirement. Once you know how, start saving and keep saving. When you do finally retire, you&#8217;ll be very happy that you took these steps earlier in your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover Bank or its affiliates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get tips to help you start\u2014and keep\u2014saving for retirement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,89],"tags":[114,34,117,100,110,27],"class_list":["post-665","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-retirement","category-saving-for-retirement","tag-401k","tag-budgeting","tag-compound-interest","tag-quick-tips","tag-retirement-planning","tag-saving-for-retirement"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=665"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22439,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/665\/revisions\/22439"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=665"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=665"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=665"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}