Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1031255
14 | FALL 2018 Make sure you love your job (or at least don't hate it). You may want to retire early, but the longer you work, the more you can put away. Working longer can also raise the amount of Social Security you will earn and provide health benefi ts, as well. One study out of Oregon State University found that those who worked past age 65 actually lived longer than those who retired early. But you won't want to stay in your job if you hate what you do, says Bobbi Rebell, the host of the Financial Grownup podcast and author of How to Be a Financial Grownup. That's why it's crucial to make sure you love what you do when you're young, she says. "You should be able to pivot your career and use your skills to make a change to a job you like better," suggests Rebell, who says she is constantly teaching herself new things. Create a side gig. With wages stagnant (it's well under 3 percent, according to the Economic Policy Institute) and consumer prices up, it may seem diffi cult to fi nd money for savings. Your best bet: fi nd another income stream that you can carry into retirement. Look to things you love as inspiration, says Rebell. If you love animals, consider dog walking. Have fun playing with kids? Babysitters are in big demand. Love math? Tutoring pays well and it's something that you can do on your own time. You can use the money to splurge a bit, but plan on saving the bulk of it. Don't get into debt. This seems like something that's easier said than done, but it's not that hard when you make it a goal and stick with it, says Jill Schlesinger, the host of the Better According to the old adage, a goal without a plan is just a wish. This statement is certainly applicable when it comes to your fi nances. Unless you do the right things now, when you are young, it will be diffi cult to take an early retirement, buy a summer home or send your children to college. However, there are some strategies you can focus on when you're young that will carry you — and your bank account — forward into the future successfully. Below, fi nd fi ve steps that you can do today to help you along. According to the old adage, a goal without a plan is just a wish. This statement is certainly applicable when it comes to your fi nances. Unless you do the right things now, when you are young, it will be diffi cult to take an early retirement, buy a summer home or send your children to college. However, there are some strategies you can focus on when you're young that will carry you — and your bank account — forward into the future successfully. Below, fi nd fi ve steps that you can do today to help you along.