• Start now. Do not wait. Time is critical.
• Start small, if necessary. Money may be tight, but even small amounts suffice as they accumulate and compound over time.
• On receipt of your pay cheque or the Direct Debiting of your salary put aside the money you are saving for your retirement nest egg first.
• Have the money withdrawn by a standing order directly into your personal private pension, fixed time deposit account, etc. This will keep you disciplined given that what you do not see you will not miss.
• Making saving a habit. It is not that difficult once you discipline yourself to start.
• Put performance bonuses; March, June, September and December bonuses; on-off income received; salary increases, etc. towards your retirement savings nest egg.
• Revisit your spending plan every few months to make sure you are on track. Income and expenses change over time.
• Be realistic about investment returns. Never assume that a year or two of high returns will continue indefinitely. The same goes for market declines.