Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of early and consistent saving for retirement, suggesting that individuals can significantly increase their savings through disciplined investment strategies [1][2][4]. Group 1: Retirement Savings Recommendations - Fidelity recommends that individuals aim to have 2x their salary saved by age 35, 4x by age 45, and 7x by age 55, advocating for a 15% pretax income investment into a diversified portfolio [1]. - The average "magic number" for retirement savings among Americans is reported to be $1.26 million, with many individuals falling short of this target [4]. - Vanguard's findings indicate that only the top 30% of income-earning baby boomers are adequately prepared for retirement [5]. Group 2: Financial Challenges for Baby Boomers - Many baby boomers may face financial difficulties in retirement, potentially leading to increased debt, reliance on Social Security, or a return to work to maintain their lifestyle [3][6]. - A significant portion of Americans (51%) believe it is likely they will outlive their savings, highlighting the urgency of addressing retirement preparedness [4]. Group 3: Investment Strategies - Automated investing platforms like Acorns can help individuals start saving with minimal initial investment, allowing for consistent contributions to a diversified portfolio [7][8]. - Investing in blue-chip ETFs, such as those tracking the S&P 500, can lead to substantial growth in retirement savings over time [9]. - Diversifying retirement portfolios with alternative assets, including real estate and gold, can mitigate risks associated with stock market fluctuations [13][15]. Group 4: Real Estate Investment Opportunities - Platforms like Arrived allow individuals to invest in shares of rental properties with a low minimum investment, making real estate more accessible [17][18]. - Mogul offers fractional ownership in high-quality rental properties, providing investors with monthly income and tax benefits without the burdens of traditional property management [19][20]. - Each property on Mogul's platform is vetted for a minimum 12% return, with an average annual internal rate of return (IRR) of 18.8% [21].