Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial steps you can take, yet it’s often pushed aside in the rush of everyday life. Retirement savings are not just about setting money aside for the future—they’re about securing comfort, independence, and peace of mind in the years when regular …

Experts commonly recommend saving three to six months’ worth of living expenses as a target, though even starting with smaller milestones like your first $500–$1,000 can make a meaningful difference. On a smaller scale, JPMorgan Chase data finds 92% of households could handle a $400 unexpected expense — but this …