Mind the Gap! If you start saving at age 25 and earn $20,000 a year, you’ll have to contribute 5.8% of your salary to fund your future. If you wait 10 years—even if you earn $10,000 more—you’ll have to sock away 12.2% of your pay. And if you hold off until age 45, you’ll be staring up at a 21.4% savings rate.