<p>So did you catch up to your stomach or the contents caught up to you. ?</p>
<p>Hubby and I have never had the benefit of defined benefit plans. We have just been investing in defined contribution plans. Our kids - as teenagers, have been filing taxes and thus able to contribute already to their registered retirement funds and have made room for contributions later on since they earn so little now (we are in Canada but I imagine you have something similar). I think starting young and making it a lifelong priority is key.</p>
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<p>I’m not sure I understand this post at all. Maybe you would prefer the word “mindful” when you are showing concern about your kids’ retirements. I know <em>I</em> AM concerned about my kids and retirement. I am as concerned about them as about myself. The reality is that their generation will likely live even LONGER than ours and at a MUCH HIGHER cost of living than now. Their retirement savings will need to be quite high.</p>
<p>The best “good start” we gave our kids was advice…contribute to a TSA or IRA as soon as you can…and as much as you can. Every little penny counts.</p>
<p>Gotta say…I’m a parent…and worrying about the wellbeing of my kids is part of being a parent. No, the worrying won’t “solve” any issues. But as a parent, if I didn’t have concern for my kids, I would feel irresponsible.</p>
<p>I’m not thinking that far ahead, I’m afraid. Just overwhelmed with the present and near future. So, no, I am not even thinking about my kids’ retirement except in general terms as to the direction of social security and demise of company pension plans which just really scares me. Along with other economic trends like fewer jobs where one stays for any length of time. My father was a government employee who worked for 40 years in that capacity. This is becoming increasingly uncommon in companies and with people. So, yes, I worry.</p>
<p>H will have worked for the federal government for over 40 years by the time he retires. The longest I’ve had a particular job has been about 5 years. I also recently switched professions, so life is much more fluid for me and I expect for our kids. We have told them from earliest memory that they will have to be agile & good team members and problem solvers, as well as exceptional savers to do well in the future. They seem to have taken it to heart.</p>
<p>We are concerned about our kids and as parents will always be. We are pleased that ehy seem to be making good choices and thinking about how to support themselves, save, and keep their insurance coverages. 
At this point, that’s about the best anyone can hope. We plan to start a ROTH IRA for D very soon; have started one for S.</p>