When my employer offered one in my early twenties, I barely understood what it was. It felt like a bill that wasn’t paying for anything and I was more concerned about having gym shoes that matched my leggings than I was about “future me.”

When Mom told me, “At least contribute up to the match, that’s free money.” I did. By that point, I had learned that she was smarter than me. So I checked the box. I could now say “Yep, I have a 401(k)” and move on with my life. Meanwhile, resenting the fact that I didn’t have the money to spend (honestly, besides shoes, I have no idea what was so important).

It would take a few more years, well into my late twenties, before I became even a little curious about money and retirement.

A Quick Fact

A 401(k) is a retirement account with tax benefits.
If your employer offers one, they’ll often match part of what you put in. That match? Free money. (Thanks, Mom.)

My Recommendation

Use it.
The best time to start was yesterday.
The second best time is today.

And if comparing ourselves to others is the thief of joy, maybe comparing ourselves to our past selves can bring a little peace.

I’ve come a long way since those first clueless steps and remembering that helps quiet some of the anxiety about what’s next.

Thanks for being here. We’re figuring this out together.

If you want to follow along on this journey, subscribe below so you don’t miss the next part of the story where I share what finally made me care about money at all.

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See you soon,
Ellen

Hey,

I spend an embarrassing amount of time reading articles about retirement, prompting ChatGPT to simulate different financial scenarios, and generally worrying about whether I’m balancing enjoying life now with an enjoyable retirement later.

I’m Ellen, a millennial figuring out retirement. If you’re also trying to figure this stuff out, let’s do it together. Like many people, I’ve been curious about FIRE, but I’m not exactly sure which path (if any) fits me and I know I can’t be the only one.

That’s why I’m starting Mountain Systems Co. I’ll share my retirement planning journey: unfiltered thoughts, practical steps that actually help, tools I’m using, and the questions I’m asking along the way. I’m not perfect and I don’t have all the answers, but I’m sharing what I’m learning in real time.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weekly reflections and tips on retirement planning and financial clarity

• Simple exercises, worksheets, and tools I’m using to make decisions

• A community feel we’re figuring this out together

I’ll share my own results and reflections along the way so we can compare notes and learn from each other. This newsletter will be a resource you can look forward to each week, offering practical guidance you can actually use without pressure or hustle.

Thanks for joining me. Let’s figure this shit out together.

Ellen

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