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Phil Osagie
Updated Aug 12, 2025
So, you’ve left planning for your golden years to the mid-century mark — don’t worry. You’re not the only one.
About 20% of Americans aged 50 and older have nothing saved for retirement, according to a recent survey by AARP.
For those starting late, the challenge to save enough in time might seem daunting. Americans, on average, believe they’ll need nearly $1.46 million for a comfortable retirement, based on a 2024 study by Northwestern Mutual.
Even if you’re one of the many Americans falling short of what you expected to have stashed away for retirement by now, you still have options — here are four ways to catch up fast.
Fundrise Flagship Fund
Buy real estate through Fundrise's $1 billion private fund
Supercharge your retirement contributions
Take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) matching program if that’s an option. Work toward increasing contributions whenever you receive a raise or bonus.
If you’re looking for other options to fund your retirement, you might consider investing directly in precious metals.
One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.
Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.
To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.
Free up more money to invest
You don’t always have to put away large sums to move toward your retirement goals. Ten dollars a week could make a difference – if you’re smart about what to do with your spare change.
When you make a purchase on your credit or debit card, Acorns automatically rounds up the price to the nearest dollar and places the excess — the coins that would wind up in your pocket if you were paying cash — into a smart investment portfolio.
Let’s say you purchase a doughnut for $2.30. Before you’re done licking the sugar off your fingers, Acorns will round the amount to $3.00 and invest the 70-cent difference for you. Look at this math: $2.50 worth of daily round-ups add up to $900 per year — and that’s before your savings earn money in the market.
Plus, if you sign up now with a recurring deposit, you can get a $20 bonus investment.
Invest in real estate
Most of the world’s most successful investors know that investing in real estate is one of the smartest choices for long-term growth. But did you know it is still possible to build your portfolio without having to play landlord or forking over a huge down payment?
The Fundrise Flagship Fund¹ is a $1 billion private real estate fund that lets you invest in an expertly crafted strategy without needing hundreds of thousands of dollars. You don’t need to be an accredited investor, and you can get started with as little as $10.
With 4,700+ single-family homes and 2,500+ residential units owned by the Fundrise Flagship Fund, you get exposure to institutional-style scale and diversification. After you place your first investment, the Fundrise Flagship Fund will work to find and add new assets to your portfolio over time and send you transparent updates along the way.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up now and become a real estate investor today.
Ensure your loved ones are taken care of
Many retirees are part of a couple, relying on the income from two people to make ends meet.
If the worst should happen, you’ll want to ensure your partner has the funds they’ll need to cover unexpected costs.
Life insurance can offer a versatile solution to help support your family, providing coverage to potentially replace lost income or settle outstanding debts in the event of your death.
Opting for term life insurance through a provider like Ethos, ensures that as you age, your loved ones are protected from unexpected costs. With term life insurance, you can secure affordable coverage while managing your other financial responsibilities.
Ethos offers an easy online process that allows you to get up to $2 million in coverage with terms spanning from 10 to 30 years. To get a free quote, simply answer a few questions about yourself. Then, you can compare various policies and choose one that best suits your needs.
More ways to boost your retirement savings
Arrived
Real estate investing
Buy shares of homes and vacation rentals for as little as $100.
Figure
HELOC
Tap into your home equity to pay off debt or fund a renovation.
Advisor
Financial advisor
Connect with a vetted wealth expert to help you get on track.
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Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fundrise Flagship Fund before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund’s prospectus. Read them carefully before investing. This marketing was vetted by the Moneywise team and sponsored by the Fundrise Flagship Fund.
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Terms and Conditions apply. NMLS# 1136
Phil Osagie
Conversion Copywriter
Phil is a writer at Moneywise, bringing a strong background in public relations, financial communications and copywriting. Educated in Cambridge, U.K., he has created content for several blue-chip companies, combining clarity with strategic insight.
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