I’m 42 with nothing saved for retirement, but an expert said I could turn things around in a year by ‘retraining’ myself

RETIRING with enough money to live comfortably is a daunting challenge, and it’s wise to give yourself decades to prepare.

Mid-career Americans often find themselves without anything saved, however.

One 42-year-old named Chris recently went on TikTok to ask for advice from a financial advice influencer.

The influencer, Frank Niu (@frankniu) responded with a creative trick to get on track to save for the golden years.

Instead of any costly savings plans or complex investments, he suggested that Chris “retrain” himself.

That might mean heading back to school, but, Frank said, it could keep him out of a “dead-end job.”

LIFE PIVOT

Niu suggested Chris learn some computer science skills.

There are ways to do it cheaply, even if you haven’t been to college.

Because demand for computer scientists is high, it’s possible that investing in a retraining program, whether it’s a one-year graduate program or a less formal “boot camp” may be worthwhile.

If your job is not making you enough money to maintain your lifestyle, switching careers could be a solution.

Many schools offer computer science boot camps to get people started on the basics of computer work like coding in a matter of weeks or months.

Graduate programs typically require a bachelor’s degree and can be costly.

However, many community colleges offer more affordable programs.

Both types of training have their upsides, but a boot camp, Frank said, is likely to be cheaper.

“Hopefully, within a couple of years you’ll be making over $100,000,” he said.

Six figures is not an uncommon amount for software engineers to be paid, and retraining can help get there.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected in 2022 that computer science jobs would increase sharply over the coming decade.

OLD DOGS, NEW TRICKS

If changing careers isn’t your speed, there are other ways to get started on saving.

Some retirement pros have created “15-year plans” for those entering middle age.

It’s possible to start saving later, but those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s may need to make more drastic changes.

One 70-year-old recently shared that she had no savings — an expert gave her some radical lifestyle changes to help right the ship.

A 61-year-old recently shared how their student loans are holding them back from retirement.

The U.S. Sun has compiled a list 5 of ways to save money for your golden years.