Phil Osagie

Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 2:25 AM7 min read

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So, you’ve left planning for your golden years to the mid-century mark — don’t worry. You’re not the only one.

About 20% of Americans aged 50 and older have nothing saved for retirement, according to a recent survey by AARP.

For those starting late, the challenge to save enough in time might seem daunting. Americans believe they’ll need nearly $1.26 million on average for a comfortable retirement, based on a 2025 study by Northwestern Mutual. About 54% of Gen X — people between the ages of 45 and 60 — believe that they aren’t financially prepared for retirement.

Even if you’re one of the many Americans falling short of what you expected to have stashed away for retirement by now, you still have options — here are six ways to catch up fast.

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You don’t always have to put away large sums to move toward your retirement goals. Ten dollars a week could make a difference – if you’re smart about what to do with your spare change.

When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess — the coins that would wind up in your pocket if you were paying cash — into a smart investment portfolio.

Let’s say you purchase a doughnut for $2.30. Before you’re done licking the sugar off your fingers, Acorns will round the amount to $3.00 and invest the 70-cent difference for you. Look at this math: $2.50 worth of daily round-ups add up to $900 per year — and that’s before your savings earn money in the market.

Plus, if you sign up now, you can get a $20 bonus investment when you set up a recurring deposit.

Take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) matching program if that’s an option. Work toward increasing contributions whenever you receive a raise or bonus.

If you’re looking for other options to fund your retirement, you might consider investing directly in precious metals.

One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.