<prompt> Human: Ive been reading this sub lately and have realized how far behind I am in my savings for my retirement. Ive spent 20 years behind bars and have been very irresponsible for the rest of my life. Now Im 45 and Im realizing that if I continue this way Ill have to retire with nothing which will suck no doubt. I dont want to be 65 and have a life like this.Im making 42K right now. I know I need to up that income, maybe gain more skills and work more hours. Im looking for a better job right now but cant seem to be able to find it with my record. I have a few friends who work on oil rigs in the middle east who tell me that my record will not be a problem and for someone like me the income will be about 70K and it will be two weeks on and two weeks off. Meaning I can work the other two weeks as well, making more money. But it wont be until next year when theyre hiring again.Ive done everything I can to cut my budget. I cut my cable completely and now pay 5 to the neighbor a month to use their wifi. I live in a studio for 400 bills included and its not a nice place but Id rather live in a place like this now than when Im old. I opened an IRA roth last month learning from this sub and will max it this year. I ride a bike to work now so it is exercise and no cost. I dont eat out and dont drink anymore.My job doesnt give me a 401K. After IRA is maxed where do I put money? And was it the right decision to do roth instead of normal IRA?My math is bad. I really really appreciate it if someone can help me out about how much do I need to save for retirement each month or year, and how much of retirement income that brings me? I cant do the calculations myself. Is retiring in my 60s still possible or will be 70s for me? I just need to know what to expect.Assistant: 42k is very good for an ex con. Just plan on putting extra money in the 401k soon.Human: Dont have a 401K. Can I make one for myself?  <response>: You can open an IRA with Vanguard in about 10 minutes. I started from scratch, wiping out my savings, several times during my life and didnt start a retirement fund until I was 44. Its a hard slog but you can save a decent amount if youre very frugal. 