I'll start, since this is close to my heart and pocketbook and even survival I suppose. I was forced to retire at an early age (before age 50) due to health issues. I now get a VERY low amount monthly from Social Security, because being self-employed for so long (about 25 years) I always took all the legal deductions I possibly could, which made my "net" income much lower than many people who work for others and don't have all the "write offs." And they calculate what you will get (when you retire or go on disability) by throwing out the best year and the lowest year for the past 10 years pre-retirement as I recall, and average them to figure it out. Well my last 10 years were my WORST. So now I am stuck with having to get help from an old business associate to stay in my home, and I can barely afford medications I need. It sucks big time. No wonder people don't get food so they can buy medications or pay rent, or pick up bottles and cans to help pay bills. The USA doesn't look after it's own very well in my opinion. And unless you know a parent or other person who is or was in this spot, maybe you disagree. The lucky ones have good paying jobs with good retirement benefits, and can have retirement plans, pension plans, save money, invest, and if they are married and have a two income family, it makes it easier to prepare for retirement if they spend wisely while they are working. Even with kids and college and those things. It still is easier when two contribute and invest in the future.

Yes, I'm 18 and work 2 jobs and go to school. I feel unsure about the economy and retirement

I'm fortunate to work for the federal government - so I will have a retirement as well as a 401K. I have 7 years until I can retire at 56. If my house is paid for by then, I will be able to live as well as I do now and do a bit of travelling. I'm single, so it would be easier if I had a spouse. I have had to be very agressive in saving in my 401K since I started late.

Most people die before they are able to retire.

In my circumstance I think I could retire by the age of 60-65 but probably not enough to live on. I want to keep working till I cannot do it any longer so try to give that very little thought, even tho it is a reality for all of us, at one time or another.

I reckon I will be working from the minute I leave school to the day I die to be honest

yes i do worry, im only 24 but with the money i am currently on i will be working for the rest of my life,oh and then theres my shopping habbit LOL i know its not funny the whole retirement thing i know people who have worked hard all their life and still have to struggle on by now in retirement.

As in just about anything, worrying about your retirement accomplishes nothing. It is quite easy to find a financial advisor or planner who will analyze your retirement situation free of charge. Don't worry about it; see where you are and plan for it.

doubt it with the baby boomer age coming into retirement soon i think that the social security will run out far before i can think about retirement and therefore will keep me employed far longer than planned with out social security to rely upon

I having even finish school yet but I know for sure that my future is great. Already in one months of casual work i have earned $1000 so I know that I can do anything and i can keep going.

I was planning on retiring at age 56. I didn't worry too much about it until 2 years ago when I found my job was being outsourced. Now I worry about being able to afford to retire before age 67.