It is common for people to feel that their future self is not real. This would lead them to think that it is not crucial to plan ahead. This phenomenon is called hyperbolic discounting. It is prevalent among youth and young adults.
This living in the here and now mindset would often lead to instant gratification and a shun off from any form of future or retirement planning that they have. One simple example is when one really wished to be fitter or slimmer but he/she just couldn't skip the fudge cake during his/her afternoon tea break or when one really wished to be financially free but just couldn't stop his/her self from buying the things that he/she wanted which would lead them to more debt in the end.
I believe this is intrinsic in human nature as it is analogous to both rewards (which is a pleasant stimulus) and ......