I've never really thought about this. Most of the time, we always look at how we are going to retire. So all of us know all the forumlas and everything. Save more, spend less, invest, etc... All so simple right? So many financial bloggers, financial advisers, etc, the numbers are pretty standard. But as we read in the newspaper, many people, do not think about or plan for retirement. I discussed this with a 30+ year old colleague once, and he said he did not have much savings. He typically spends it all. I discussed this with a few other people here and there, and most of them, either do not save much, or save a little, and not many have investments. Then if look around at all the people, with such poor financial planning, doesn't that mean many people would not be able to retire? The reports in so many articles make retirement seem so ......