Fantastic progress on IRAs! Now let's create your age-based retirement roadmap. Your investment strategy should evolve as you age, just like your life priorities change.
Different decades call for different approaches - from aggressive growth in your 20s to capital preservation in your 60s.
Engagement Message
What decade of life are you currently in or approaching?
In your 20s, you have the most powerful investing tool: time. With 40+ years until retirement, you can handle maximum risk for maximum growth potential.
A typical 20s allocation might be 90% stocks, 10% bonds. Market crashes? You have decades to recover and benefit from the rebound.
Engagement Message
Why can a 25-year-old tolerate more market risk than a 55-year-old?
Your 30s are momentum-building years. You likely earn more than your 20s, so increase contributions while maintaining aggressive growth focus.
A common 30s allocation shifts slightly: 80% stocks, 20% bonds. You're still prioritizing growth but adding small stability cushions.
Engagement Message
What's one way a bigger paycheck in your 30s can boost your retirement investing?
The 40s are your peak earning years - maximize this advantage! You have income growth but less time remaining, so balance growth with some risk reduction.
Many 40-somethings use 70% stocks, 30% bonds. Still growth-focused, but acknowledging retirement is getting closer.
Engagement Message
When retirement is 20 years away instead of 30, how should your portfolio risk shift?
Your 50s trigger major strategy shifts. You can now make "catch-up contributions" - extra amounts beyond normal limits to accelerate retirement savings.
For 2024, that's an extra $7,500 in 401(k)s and $1,000 in IRAs. Asset allocation might shift to 60% stocks, 40% bonds.
Engagement Message
Why do you think the government lets people 50+ make "catch-up" contributions?
