For many 20 and 30 year olds in the UK, the idea of retiring is nothing but a distant dream that is still a few years off.
But for one TikTok influencer, the day she’ll stop working is almost here - as she revealed how she is able to retire at the age of just 26.
Tori Dunlap, a money blogger from the US, posted a video revealing her three rules she has stuck by to boost her finances.
Her tips include always negotiating your salary and starting a side-hustle on top of your full-time job.
Tori says she also invests - but this shouldn’t be done without doing proper research first, as your money can go up and down.
You should always be prepared to see your money go down if you invest, as it isn’t a guaranteed way to make cash.
Speaking on her TikTok page herfirst100k, Tori said: "I'm financially independent, which means I never have to work a day in my life if I don't want to.
"Here are the three ways that I made that happen and how you can do it too: I started investing as soon as I could.
"Now in my work as a money expert, I always tell people that the best day to start investing is today because you didn't wait to start tomorrow.
Could you stick to these rules? Join the discussion in the comment section
"You have time on your side, so get started investing if you haven't, or increase your contributions if you have already started.
"The next thing I did, when I was working corporate, I negotiated my salary, every single time. I didn't stay in a job that didn't compensate me fairly.
"And third, last but not least, this lovely seven-figure business that I own used to be a side hustle.
"I side hustled in addition to my 9-5, which means that I was able to put away all of the extra earnings that I made."
Have you retired early and want to share how you did it? Let us know: levi.winchester@reachplc.com
Tori added she wouldn't actually retire yet but that it was a great feeling to know she could if she did want to.
But more often than not, this is easier said than done - and how much money you need for your retirement largely depends on the lifestyle you want.
The Pensions & Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) estimates you would need an annual budget of £10,900 to retire with minimum standards as a single person, and £16,700 as a couple.
The state pension would make up part of that income, and you can currently claim this from the age of 66 - although this is gradually rising.
The new full state pension is currently worth £179.60 a week in the 2021/22 tax year, which is £9,339 a year.
You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions to get the full new state pension.
For a slightly more extravagant retirement on a moderate standard of living, PLSA says an individual will need an income of £20,800 a year, or £30,600 for a couple.
A comfortable retirement living standard means an individual would need an income of £33,600 a year, and a couple would need £49,700 between them.
