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Think retiring early is out of reach because you don\u2019t make a six-figure salary? It takes careful planning and discipline, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s impossible.<\/p>\n
According to the 2025 EBRI\/Greenwald Research Retirement Confidence Survey, about 60% of American retirees entered their golden years before turning 65, with a median retirement age of 62.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Still, only one in 10 Americans retired before 55 \u2014 proving it\u2019s much harder the younger you are. So if you want to join those younger retiree cohorts but don\u2019t have a high income, you\u2019ll likely need to make some smart money moves (and a few sacrifices).<\/p>\n
Here are practical steps you can take today to get on the road to retiring early.<\/p>\n
Industry studies have shown that professional financial advice can add up to 5.1% to your portfolio returns. But beyond greater growth, advisors can also help you navigate complex topics such as tax efficiency strategies, optimal retirement withdrawal timing and how to make suitable investments for your goals and risk tolerance.<\/p>\n
FinancialAdvisor.net<\/a> can support you in shaping your financial future by connecting you with expert guidance. A trusted advisor helps you make smarter choices for your retirement, and ensures you stay on track with your money objectives.<\/p>\n Just answer a few questions<\/a>, and the extensive online database will match you with two to three vetted advisors based on your answers.<\/p>\n You can view the advisors\u2019 profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule a free consultation<\/a> with no obligation to hire.<\/p>\n While budgeting may seem too boring to be \u2018savvy,\u2019 it truly is a key financial tool. It\u2019s a powerful way to understand your current finances, rein in your spending if needed and then shape your financial plan accordingly. Tracking your expenditures against your budget can even reveal new obvious avenues for saving.<\/p>\n Monarch Money<\/a> is a money management platform that helps you budget, track spending, set goals and plan your financial future within one app. For a limited time, you can get 50% off your first year with code MONARCHVIP<\/a>.<\/p>\n Story Continues <\/p>\n The budgeting process is also a great opportunity to make sure you\u2019re paying the best rates for monthly necessities, like insurance.<\/p>\n OfficialCarInsurance.com<\/a> makes comparing multiple insurance companies easier than ever. They\u2019ll ask you some quick questions then sort through leading insurance companies in your area, ensuring you find the lowest rate possible<\/a>. The process is 100% free and won’t affect your credit score.<\/p>\n Similarly, OfficialHomeInsurance.com<\/a> can help you get great rates to protect your home. All it takes is two minutes for them to comb through over 200 insurers \u2014 for free \u2014 to find the best deal in your area. The process can be done entirely online.<\/p>\n After tracking and assessing your budget over a few months, you can use that data to estimate your future retirement budget \u2014 setting a clear target. You\u2019ll want to review this retirement budget periodically and make adjustments as needed.<\/p>\n Read more: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees \u2014 here’s how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis<\/a><\/p>\n To join the Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) movement and retire in your 30s or 40s, you may need to save more than the 15% that\u2019s often suggested. When it comes to retiring early, that number might end up much closer to 75% of your income.<\/p>\n Regardless of the specific retirement age you\u2019re aiming for, you\u2019ll need discipline to reach any early retirement goal. Automating your investments is an easy way to make that process happen in the background, without much extra thought.<\/p>\n You can make 401(k) contributions directly from your paycheck, but you can also set up direct deposit into a high interest savings or investment account.<\/p>\n There are several apps that can help you automate your investments, including Wealthfront Investing<\/a>.<\/p>\n Their “set it and forget it” approach means your money is professionally managed and automatically rebalanced, allowing your wealth to grow steadily over time. Wealthfront offers up to 17 global asset classes to help diversify your portfolio.<\/p>\n