You know that retirement is inevitable yet you find yourself in the situation of the majority who have failed to save enough to quit the workforce comfortably. How did you get to the place of being 40-something and unprepared? The good news is that there is still time to turn things around in the retirement department when you are in your 40s. Here are four tips for saving for your grand exit from the workforce later in life.

1. Determine Your Retirement Age

You may have to work a few more years than the savvy young person who started saving in his 20s, but there is still enough time for you to make a decision on what age you would like to retire from the job sector. Many professionals decide to hang up their work hat during their 60s and definitely before turning 70-years-old. Your choice on how long you want to work, however, is entirely dependent on your willingness and health.

2. Save Aggressively

You are technically behind the pact when you begin saving for retirement in your 40s, which is why your efforts must be intentional and consistent. At least 15 percent of your annual income should be set aside for retirement. Many individuals saving for their exit from the workforce contribute 20 percent of their yearly income to such efforts at age 40 and beyond. It is easiest to accomplish your annual saving goals when you set up automatic transfers from your checking account every pay period. All bonuses and should go towards your retirement fund.

3. Take Full Advantage of Your Retirement Accounts

Many people leave free money on the table at their exit from the job sector because they are ill-informed about their pension plans. You should take the time to learn every aspect of your retirement accounts and contribute as much as you can to them. Also, make sure that you benefit from an employer’s offer to match your contributions if such incentive is available.

4. Take Out Life Insurance 

In the event that your spouse and dependents rely on your income to live, it is important that you are covered with life insurance. By taking out a policy, you can be sure that if anything were to happen to you prior to retirement, then your loved ones would still be able to live comfortably.

5. Decrease Debt

There is little point in you maxing out your retirement accounts and saving like crazy if you maintain debt that will follow you into the golden years. Consider paying off large accounts before you begin saving aggressively so that your frugal efforts can be of greater use to your overall plan.

Living a minimal lifestyle is essential to those getting a late start in their retirement savings. You cannot be a 40-year-old big spender working a traditional job and expect to have $2 million saved when retirement comes. Sacrificing your desires and only spending money on necessities is the best way to prepare for your grand exit from the workforce.