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Milestone birthdays, children, marriage, and advice from friends or relatives top the list of reasons why Americans begin saving for retirement. According to the 2008 AXA Retirement Scope Survey, turning 40 is the number one life trigger for most to start saving. Today's working Americans note more factors prompting their decision to save than past generations of retirees.

The survey also reports that people realize it's up to the individual to plan for their retirement. Social Security and the government is something that most people can't rely on to provide a significant portion of their retirement income. When it comes to retirement planning figuring out what to do, how to do it and when to do it can be confusing and a working with a professional advisor or planner is key.

Many are also retiring later than they used to, an average of 64 years of age. Coupled with living longer, experts say there's no reason to wait for a major life event to start planning retirement.

Produced for AXA Equitable