According to a 2014 Gallup Poll, the average age for an American to retire is 62, though baby boomers, at least, don’t expect to call it a workday until 66. That same poll, however, also reported that people under 30 are most likely to plan on retiring before they turn 55—speculating that, perhaps, hope springs eternal among young people.

Global financial markets scaled a wall of worry in the second quarter of 2025— geopolitics took center stage from tariff turbulence, while equity markets rallied sharply from the post “Liberation Day” lows.

Building an emergency fund should take precedence over other big financial goals—even retirement and college savings. Why? Because when a crisis hits, people without emergency funds may resort to raiding their retirement or college savings (which can mean taxes and/or penalties), or dig themselves into debt.

Retirement Savings It can be a little tricky to figure out the best way to handle retirement savings during a job switch. Before you make your move, check your 401(k) policy or ask the Human Resources department to find out whether your employer’s matching contributions to your retirement plan are fully vested.