a word of advice to my 20-something friends

Do not read the introduction to your IRA packet. It will depress you. Their intention, I'm sure, is to make you feel secure in your investment. To feel good about the many years ahead of you in which you can plan, save and think about your future and your some-day retirement. Relax, you've got anywhere from 40-45 years left to ensure that your retirement allows you to live comfortably and securely. FORTY TO FORTY-FIVE YEARS?!?! ¡Madre de Dios! I quickly ran a mental projection of myself after reading those words...and predicted approximately 12 career changes and 8 major geographical moves. Okay, maybe not quite, and time passes really quickly, and things happen and people make connections and put down roots and settle down. That may well happen, I recognize that as a possibility. But can we just take it in 2-3 years steps at a time for now? I CANNOT THINK ABOUT 40 YEARS FROM NOW! That's not to say I refuse to start saving money, on the contrary, I'm all for it, my account's already set up. Just please don't try to comfort me by talking about something 4-5 decades away. I am kind of a gypsy.