Question

How and when to start planning for retirement?

Answer

In your 30s and 40s, it’s natural to prioritize career growth and family responsibilities, focusing on building assets and managing daily expenses. Retirement planning during these years may simply involve contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k).

By age 50, it’s crucial to start implementing strategies to ensure a secure financial future. See the Pre-Retirement Checklist below, or assess your retirement readiness with our quiz.

Last Updated May 14, 2026

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

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