Financial Life Hacks: Helpful Hints to Save for Retirement

Many workers want to save money for retirement, but that task is often easier said than done. A 2015 Bankrate survey found that 10 percent of working Americans  aren't saving any money for their post-work lives, while an additional 14 percent are saving less this year than they were previously. This is despite an improving economy and declining unemployment rate, two factors that should support retirement savings.

Because saving for retirement is such a challenge, you may be looking for some advice on the topic. There are several strategies available, and the best one for you is often dependent on age, your financial situation and how close you are to finishing your work career.

Many people opt to speak with a financial expert about saving for retirement, and that is wise. However, there are strategies to take to stash money away that don't involve elaborate planning. Review these three non-traditional ways to save for the future:

"Withdrawals from Roth IRAs are tax free, so you are able to access your money when needed."

Start saving for health care early
When you are done working, you may lose medical benefits – right at the time you reach the age when visits to doctors and specialists happen more often. Medicare kicks in at 65, but for those who retire before that age, having extra money set aside for health care is important.

Investing in a Roth IRA while you are still working can help you save for the potential aches and pains you'll have to deal with after retirement. Withdrawals from Roth IRAs are tax free, so you are able to access your money when needed. Additionally, having these savings will reduce the potential tax  on Social Security, saving you even more money in the process, according to Forbes.

Take advantage of the laws
There are laws that limit how much money you can invest into a 401(k) and Roth IRA. However, at age 50, those laws change. Once you reach the half-century mark, the limits rise, meaning you are able to put away more for retirement.

Once you are 50, your maximum 401(k) investment rises from $18,000 to $24,000, while Roth IRAs increase $1,000 up to $6,500 annually. If you have the financial means, make sure to take advantage of these laws designed to help people nearing retirement.

Think before you act
When trying to determine the best time to retire, consider your retirement savings. The amount of money you have saved in the bank should have asmuch of an impact on when you stop working  as anything else, Bankrate explained. Figure out if you have enough to live for the next 30 years if you stop working today. If the answer is no, it may be wise to not hang it up quite yet.

Remember to factor in Social Security, however. In 2014, 38 million retired Americans used the program , averaging nearly $1,300 a month in benefits. Take this total into account when deciding if you have enough saved up to retire.