The problem with beginning a new system for saving money is the lack of motivation. Who really wants to begin saving all of their spare money? Even worse: who wants to put back money now for a retirement that is 45 years down the road? We feel that it is necessary; we are told it is absolutely, inevitably necessary, and yet we feel as though it should be the farthest thought from our minds at this point of time. Twenty-something’s are the ones who will need the self-saved income toward their sixty-something years. Who is promising them Social Security? At this point, No one is. We are encouraged to take advantage of the government backed savings programs at this age.

We are warned that we may not receive any government assistance when it is time for our retirement; yet it seems impossible to save any substantial amount with such unpredictable inflation, gas prices, and rising costs at every turn. It is hard to consider giving up such a detrimental part of our, already meager, income; but to give it up now when life is young, short, and when we should be allowing ourselves to live fully. At a time when life seems so unstable for the financial institutions of the world; we are being asked to put our trust in their shaky hands. This is the time when we are asked to set aside our livelihood for a future that we are not even promised.

Why can’t we make the concept and entire experience of saving money easier? Not just that; how do we make it feel worthwhile for us now!? You have the power to create your own ideals and dreams around your long-term savings. The trick is finding the right savings plan, and figuring out a way to convince yourself NOT to spend this money too soon; before you are 62. Penalties can be a harsh motivator; but indeed it can work in such areas as a 401K. You must figure out a self-reward system for periodical savings, but also add, and use methods of saving that do not make withdrawal easy. You need to induce a moderate to severe level of difficulty so that you do not have the luxury of expelling you money without harsh penalty or without making the situation more problematic, and jeopardizing your own money. Make it difficult for yourself and you will not jump to your long-term savings for an easy rescue. People who make it too easy find themselves in a world of agony when retirement comes nosing around.