Jumpstart Your Retirement Savings with $250 and These Tips

Six in 10 Americans don't have a retirement-specific account, according to a recent survey. Financial planners suggest building an emergency fund before investing, saving three to six months' worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account. If your employer matches up to a certain percentage that you contribute to a workplace retirement account, such as a 401(k), investing enough to get that contribution should be your top priority. Health savings accounts (HSAs) are another option for retirement savings, but only available to those enrolled in high-deductible health plans. Once you've gotten your employer match and funded your HSA, if you have one, investing pros say you'd generally be wise to turn back to your 401(k). If you've maxed out all of your other options for retirement savings, start putting money into a regular brokerage account.