 TITLE: When Is the Best Time to Start Saving for Retirement? CONTENT: Tips for Spending Less Money and Saving for Retirement\n------------------------------------------------------\nIf you've realized it's time to save money for retirement, you might examine your spending habits to accumulate more cash for your golden years. Here are three ways you can spend less and save more:\n1.  Decrease your credit card debt. One simple strategy: Pay your credit card bills in full every month so you can steer clear of interest charges. High credit card debts can result in big interest charges that leave you less wiggle room for retirement contributions. If that's not possible, work to pay down your credit card debt as quickly as possible. A credit card payoff calculator can help you understand how long it may take you to pay off your debt and how you might be able to shorten that period.\n2.  Consolidate your credit card debt. Shifting some of your higher-interest credit card debt to a lower-interest debt consolidation loan might leave you with additional cash to put aside for retirement.\n3.  Think twice about big purchases. Do you really need a new car? Can you do without a new dining room table? Look at whether you can get by with what you've got now or explore lower-cost alternatives, such as a used car or a used dining room table. The money you save could go into your retirement account. END