Research shows that individuals who start saving for retirement in their 20s or 30s tend to have significantly higher nest eggs than those who wait until closer to retirement age. This is because compound interest has more time to work its magic, allowing even small, consistent contributions to add up to substantial sums over the long term. Moreover, starting early also enables you to take advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as 401(k) or IRA, which can further boost your savings. By prioritizing retirement savings from the outset, you'll be able to enjoy a more secure financial foundation in the years to come, allowing you to pursue activities and hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.