Tips on How to Save Smart for Retirement Start now. Don't wait. Time is critical. Start small, if necessary. Money may be tight, but even small amounts can make a big difference given enough time, the right kind of investments, and tax-favored vehicles such as company retirement plans, IRAs, and SEPs. Use automatic deductions from your payroll or your checking account for deposit in mutual funds, IRAs, or other investment vehicles. Save regularly. Make saving for retirement a habit. Be realistic about investment returns. Never assume that a year or two of high market returns will continue indefinitely. The same goes for market declines. Roll over retirement account money if you change jobs. Don't dip into retirement savings. Tips on How to Save Smart for Retirement are from the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board)