"Try to put in the maximum allowed and you will be thrilled to see how much is there when you retire." --Bill Ching, YMCA of the USA

"One word is key: 'Compounding.' If you save early and often, the interest will compound."-- Phil Wortman, YMCA of West Central Florida

"It’s never too early to save for retirement." -- Alice Sawyer, YUSA

"SAVE! It’s important for your future…participate fully in The Fund!" --Molly McGregor, Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA

"The key to retirement isn’t the money. Rather, it is being able to redefine who we are as we move into the next chapter of our lives." --Dale Nissley, YMCA of Central Stark County

"Is anything so important that you can't live without it? Probably not. So instead of spending, save your money. Do it. It's worth it. You'll be glad you did!" --Cathy Fromm, Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA

"Get into the savings habit now, and you can always increase the amount in the future. And if you ever leave the Y, keep your money at the Fund. You’ll be glad that you did!"

"Make it a habit to be a strict saver and use a budget to know where your money is spent." --Zera Mackie, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

"Save whatever you can. Start putting extra money in the Fund. Look to the future even when you are starting out and probably struggling." --Jerry James, YMCA of Greater San Antonio

"Start saving as soon as possible in a 403(b) Smart Account (at any level), and get into the habit of saving for your future." --Ron Sargent, YMCA Retirement Fund

"Be prepared to be retired for 20-30 years. It’s a major part of your life, so you can’t just think short term about it." --Bill MacAfee, YMCA of Greater Boston

"Every time you get a raise, put all of it into your savings at the Fund. You didn’t have it yesterday, so you won’t miss it tomorrow!" --Bea Halk, YMCA of San Diego County

"Save as much as you can. When you get a raise, put some of it into savings. Minimize your debt; don’t overextend yourself." --John Carney, Metropolitan Augusta YMCA

"Be smart with your money. Think about seeing a financial advisor well in advance. They will help you prepare for retirement." --Barb Taylor, YMCA of Greenwich Inc.

"Start [saving] with your first paycheck and make saving a consistent discipline! It pays off big time!" --Nancy Reece, YMCA of Middle Tennessee

"Besides investing financially with the Y Retirement Fund for your future economic security, don't forget to invest in your relationships with other Y staff...." --Jim Havlick, YMCA of Greater New York

"Save a little extra but also live life now. Be in the moment. You can do both!" --Ellie Murphy, The YMCA of Eastern Union County

"Max out what you can save. Live below your means. Don’t get into debt. Drive an older car. And give generously to worthy causes!" --Pat Ritter, YMCA of Southern Nevada

"When I compare notes with my friends who did not work for the Y, I find that the Y's retirement program is competitive with any other." --Ralph Christian, YMCA of Greater New York

"When I compare notes with my friends they are awed by what we have as a retirement program in the Y." --Chuck Harris, YMCA of South Hampton Roads, VA

"I didn't realize how blessed I was to have a Y career, and little did I know what a blessed retirement I'd have!" --Terri Texeira, YMCA of San Francisco

"Take a year before committing to anything new." -- Jean Carmichael, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, TX

"A wise soul once explained to me: “Retire TO, not FROM." --Larry Rosen, YMCA of Metro Los Angeles. CA

"Don't let things in front of you now prevent you from planning for your future. Save early." --Jan Brucato, Y-USA

"Material things won't make you happy in your life, so start saving now." --Linda Garcia, YMCA of Greater Hartford, CT

"Compared to my husband’s 401(k) -- which was hit hard during 2008-09 -- my money at the Fund never decreased." --Linda Petrecca, YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, PA

"None of my non-YMCA friends have what I have--an annuity for life with total protection from risk." --Gary Green, YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, PA

"What’s special about the YMCA is the sense of community that members and staff find there. It’s got an amazing feeling of camaraderie." --Judy Hart, Brandywine Valley YMCA, PA

"Start early and keep saving throughout your career. You’ll be glad that you did!" --Fred Bradley, Metro Atlanta YMCA

"We all know that plans do not necessarily work out the way we envisioned, so save more than you think you can save for retirement." --Lowell Overby, Y-USA

"I feel unbelievable gratitude for the YMCA's retirement program." --Gary Graham, Y-USA

"I had all the confidence in the world that the Fund would be there for me at retirement, and it was." --Barry Taylor, YMCA of Greater Richmond, VA

" Save as much as you can, as early as you can." --Dave Thornton, YMCA of Santa Clara County, CA

"Having a lifetime annuity is an enormous stress-reducer for YMCA people. We don’t ever have to worry about our retirement income running out." --Bill Cameron, Y-USA

"Don't be afraid to retire!" --Myrtis Meyer, Y-USA

$1 saved on your first day is worth a lot more than $1 saved on your last day. --Chuck Dandrige, Cleveland County YMCA, Norman, OK