Laura Ostrem

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It’s never too late to start planning and saving for life after work. There are many life circumstances that can prevent someone from saving for retirement. Whether it’s expensive emergencies that need to be prioritized, trouble maintaining a steady income or simply the lack of knowledge for exactly how to save for retirement in the first place, life can often send obstacles your way that can prevent you from utilizing your money the way you want to. However, having a savings goal — and a plan for how to achieve it — is essential if you hope to one day retire and feel secure about your financial situation in your non-working years. Experts often recommend starting to save as soon as you can — after all, more time can make all the difference. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you are a bit late to get started. Here, eight financial leaders from Kiplinger Advisor Collective weigh in with some of the best ways to plan for retirement as someone who is starting later in life, and how you can not only catch up but also have the security you need to feel good about your situation.

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You don’t have to give up everything in order to succeed with money. Whether it's having to decline dinners out, take cheaper or fewer vacations, or simply shop less, trying to save money to achieve a financial goal can often be difficult socially. It’s not easy having to choose between spending time with friends and family and paying off a debt or hitting a savings goal — not to mention struggling to handle the judgement from those who don’t understand what you’re doing or why you’re doing it. These common social obstacles can often prevent well-intentioned people from making much progress in terms of their goals, and some others may even give up trying to improve their finances at all. Thankfully, being successful with money doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing game. You can still achieve what you’ve set out to do while enjoying life at the same time. According to the financial experts of Kiplinger Advisor Collective, it’s all about balance and intentionality. Consider their top tips below for maintaining a healthy social life while working hard toward achieving your financial goals.

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Why wait until January to get a head start on your goals? As the new year quickly approaches, people are readying their New Year’s resolutions and goals, hopeful for a brighter year and a new-and-improved self. But you don’t have to wait until January to start making a change. There are many steps you can take right now to get ahead on your goals and start 2025 off with a more impactful bang — especially when it comes to your finances. From designing a comprehensive financial game plan to automating your savings and investments, taking these steps now will ensure you set yourself up for success in 2025. For deeper insights into these steps and more, read on to hear from the members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective and their best tips for a prosperous new year.

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If your dream of homeownership feels out of reach, these expert-recommended tips can bring you closer to realizing your goal. Decades ago, homeownership was a realistic goal for many people. In recent years, sky-high real estate prices and increased costs of living have made it harder for would-be buyers to envision themselves ever achieving that milestone. Though the path to homeownership can be difficult in today's economy, it's still possible with the right strategies. Here, members of Kiplinger Advisor Collective recommend practical tips for moving the needle on your goal of owning a home.