<prompt> Human: TL;DR: My mother age 52 is coming close to retirement age; I dont believe she has any sort of retirement savings. I would like to begin saving for her so that she is able to live comfortably during her retirement years. What are my most financially effective options in order to save for her?Ive done a bit of research, and I understand that I cannot open or contribute to an IRA in her name. She also currently works a job that pays under the table self employed sort of thing so she cannot start an IRA herself nor contribute to a 401k. Are there any sort of tax advantaged accounts available for her that I may contribute to or that she may contribute to if shes working under the table?Ideally, Id like to be in control of the savings financial situation for sake of management but Im open to hear out all options I have.Options Ive considered: Taking on the investments myself and investing in low-risk areas bonds, mutual funds, real estate, etc. for some time and then eventually giving her the money to do as she sees fit Asking her to turn her self employment into her own business and open an IRA or some other tax advantaged account, then ask her to contribute all income to the advantaged account while I supplement her income Waiting until her retirement age then purchasing her some form of retirement annuityAre any of these good options? What do you think? Thank you for taking the time to read this!EDIT: I understand that 52 isnt really close to retirement age, what I mean is that Id like to look into her options now so I can plan her finances for her to retire comfortably by the time shes 65.Mother worked and reported income pre-2018 but has lost her job since. I understand the importance of urging her to report her work income for SS reasons, Ill be sure to do that. Thank you for all the responses and suggestions, Ill hopefully respond to some soon currently on mobile.  <response>: My mother age 52 is coming close to retirement ageWhaaa?! 