When you’re in your 20s, retirement seems so far off that it hardly feels real at all. In fact, it’s one of the most common excuses people make to justify not saving for retirement. If that describes you, think of these savings, instead, as wealth accumulation. Anyone nearing retirement age will tell you the years slip by, and building a sizable nest egg becomes more difficult if you don’t start early. You'll also probably acquire other expenses you may not have yet, such as a mortgage and a family. You may not earn a lot of money as you begin your career, but there’s one thing you have more of than richer, older folks: time. With time on your side, saving for retirement becomes a much more pleasant—and exciting—prospect. You’re probably still paying off your student loans, but even a small amount saved for retirement can make a huge difference in your future. We’ll walk through why your 20s are the perfect time to start saving for those post-work years.