<prompt> Human: Needless to say I started way too late. Id rather not state my exact age, but lets say I have 15 or maybe 20 years left of functional work in me assuming technology doesnt outpace my ability to keep up andor I cant transition to management easily. I just got some profit participation at work and maxed my IRA for the year, but even with that I only have 20k in retirement. I havent previously used work 401k because its crap funds with no matching, but household income is now high enough that I will start funneling money there too.The only possible thing that might help is, despite my financial immaturity all my life, I HAVE been working full time all my life, literally since I graduated from high school, all on the books and paying into SS. I suppose with that and a small amount of savings itll be about enough to starve on? :Im honestly not looking for a ton of reassurance here ... it is what it is, and Ill be hustling for this next decade or so to make up for lost time, both via my IRA and my employers 401k and whatever other savings I can manage. But I was still curious about peoples thoughts on this. Im sure Im not the only one who woke up to financial realities far too late. And, come to think of it, even if I do get flamed to hell and back for starting too late, the thread will be a good object lesson for younger redditors. So feel free to tell me how screwed I am.  <response>: I think you are too old when you actually retire.Try an online tool like this one to figure out how much you can save. But I think the key here is to accurately determine how much you will need for retirement expenses. Are you renting or do you pay a mortgage? Will the mortgage be paid by retirement? Are you thinking of moving to a lower cost of living area? 