<prompt> Human: Im 31, and have been at my current job for 8 years, working in a unique field at a small company 25ish employees as an engineer who really can do almost everything at the company. Ive got an excellent relationship with my boss the owner, and have a decent amount of pull when it comes to making decisions about products we work on. Its a fun job, but being such a small company we dont get much for benefits. Really the biggest benefit is a flexible schedule, I can pretty much come and go as I please. Thats HUGE for me since Ive got two young kids, and my wife doesnt have a flexible schedule at all. Itll also be a giant benefit when we move back to my parents farm later this summer.Theres no insurance or retirement plans here, but Im due for a review in the next couple months and would like to push my boss to put money into a retirement account for me. How do I approach him about something like that, and what kind of options are there for something like that?edit: I should point out that I get dental and health insurance through my wifes work.Assistant: If youre a W-2 employee, you are at the whims of your employer. For most small companies, setting up benefits can be difficult and expensive, but could ultimately benefit the boss as much as the employees. If you know more details about the employers ability to actually provide these benefits, that would certainly help. Its possible that the employer pays the employees a larger amount in lieu of benefits. If the employer has the capability, you would generally see a SIMPLE IRA in place for smaller companies. Heshe would be able to choose between elective and non-elective contributions maxing out at 337; match for elective contributions. From the employers perspective, heshe gets to deduct contributions as a business expense and increase employee retention. Heshe also gets to contribute to the plan as well. I would approach it from the side of what the employer would get out of it.They also have the ability to set up SEP IRAs or 401ks, but those tend to be less likely of an option for smaller companies.If youre a 1099 contractor, you can set up pretty much anything on your own. Solo 401ks are great for high-income earners and SEPs are great for lower expenses and almost as good contributions. All depends on your situation though.Human: We do get paid a bit more, but I could definitely make more at a larger company in town, albeit without the flexibility or enjoyment.  <response>: You say youve been at this job for 8 years.8 years ago, the US unemployment rate was at almost 10.Now its under 5, and you have 8 years more experience than you did back then.You and the economy are in a much better position for you to negotiate your own terms now. 