What Age Should I Begin Retirement Planning?

At some point, the question hits all of us: “When should I start planning for retirement?” It’s a fair question—and a critical one. Maybe you’re in your 20s, juggling student loans and first jobs. Maybe you’re in your 40s and realizing retirement isn’t as far off as it once seemed. Or maybe you’re just a few years away from calling it a career and wondering if you’ve done enough.

Wherever you are on the timeline, here’s the truth: the best time to begin retirement planning is as soon as possible—but it’s never too late to start smart. At LaTour Asset Management of Springfield, we meet people every day who wish they’d started sooner, and people who are just now starting to take retirement seriously. The good news? With the right strategy and guidance, both can move forward with clarity and confidence. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Starting Early Matters

Time is the single most powerful tool in retirement planning. Starting early doesn’t just give your money more time to grow—it gives you more control over your future.

• Compounding Does the Heavy Lifting: Even small monthly contributions in your 20s and 30s can snowball into something substantial.
• Early Planning Gives You Flexibility: Want to retire early? Travel more? Support family? That freedom starts with preparation.
• You Make Fewer Rushed Decisions: Starting early means you have time to adjust as life unfolds, instead of scrambling late in the game.

If you’re in your 20s or 30s in Springfield and wondering if you’re behind, you’re not. You’re actually ahead of most people just by asking the question.

What If You’re Starting Later?

Let’s say you’re in your 40s, 50s—or even beyond. First, don’t panic. Second, don’t give up. Retirement planning is not an all-or-nothing game.

• Your Peak Earning Years Give You an Advantage: With higher income, you can save more, invest smarter, and accelerate your timeline.
• Catch-Up Contributions Can Help: If you’re 50 or older, you can contribute extra to your 401(k) or IRA.
• You’ve Got Real-Life Insight: By this stage, you likely have a clearer picture of what retirement should look like—and that focus can be powerful.

With the right planning partner, even a late start can still lead to a retirement filled with freedom, stability, and peace of mind.

A Holistic Plan Built Around You

At LaTour Asset Management, we don’t do cookie-cutter retirement plans. We follow the New Generation Retirement® system, a five-step process that considers everything:

1. Choosing the right advisor, so you’re not guessing alone.
2. Understanding your financial and emotional goals—because this isn’t just about money.
3. Building a custom strategy with smart tax planning, income mapping, and risk balancing.
4. Executing efficiently with clear steps, no jargon, and secure digital tools.
5. Adjusting over time because life happens, and your plan should evolve with it.

Whether you need help with IRAs, wealth management, or tax-efficient income strategies, we’re here to bring clarity and confidence to your entire retirement journey.

Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”

Life gets busy, but the perfect time for retirement, like most things, rarely announces itself. Planning early doesn’t mean you need all the answers now. It means you’re willing to ask the right questions and work with someone who can help you find them.

If you’re in Springfield or the surrounding area, LaTour Asset Management is ready to help you start, restart, or fine-tune your retirement plan. With our fiduciary approach, tech-forward tools, and commitment to transparency, you’ll always know where you stand—and where you’re headed.

Start Planning Your Retirement Today—We Can Help

So, what age should you begin retirement planning? The honest answer is now. No matter your age, the sooner you begin, the more prepared and empowered you’ll be. Reach out to LaTour Asset Management of Springfield today at (877) 888-5724 to schedule your personalized retirement strategy session. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s the right time to take your future seriously—and we’re here to help every step of the way.