Two recent 2021 and 2022 surveys show that many aren't saving what they should. Let's start with some shocking numbers:

• Only 56% of workers were enrolled in a workplace retirement plan.

• The current retirement age is 62, whereas the estimated retirement age for current workers is 64.

• American Women have smaller retirement savings, with an average of $57,000 saved, compared to men's $118,000.

• 55% of workers plan to work in retirement.

• Savings expectations for a comfortable retirement is $1.04 million.

Those not enrolled in a retirement plan or those with very little savings are hiding the excuse behind not being financially savvy.

We need to talk. Even if it is true that those with a retirement plan could be savvier about money, that is not an excuse for not taking responsibility for your financial well-being at retirement. You must take responsibility for your financial security.

For those of you who have let unhealthy money habits persist for years, I am not letting you off the hook. You literally can't afford to continue like that and end up with a very challenging retirement in your golden years.

Not Too Late Nor Hard To Start Learning

When You're at the peak of your career, you should ask yourself some questions that will help you reflect on (and even challenge) your choices about money. Here are some to get this conversation going in your head:

• Do we have at least a year of living expenses set aside for emergencies?

• Are you living below your means? Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Why?

• Did you tend to borrow money to purchase a car, a vacation, or maintain a certain lifestyle?

• What are your sources of income? Is it only your job?

• When will your mortgage be paid off?

• What's your plan for paying for long-term care help down the line?

Those should not be hard conversations with yourself or your spouse. All you are doing is opening the conversation about the plan and how you can reach those important goals. If you can't imagine having clear answers to those conversations, I want you to consider what that is saying about your savviness in your personal finances. Moreover, it also leaves you vulnerable to learning things you should have learned earlier - some things about your financial security that you didn't know. If you're unable to answer those questions, we can work together to fix what's not on track.

Resources: Free copy of the #1 Bestseller on Personal Finance - The 4 Stages of Building Wealth