Our writer explains why he'd be retiring much earlier if he'd followed these tips when he started work. : In the past, relying on cash savings and occupational pensions was enough to allow many people to retire comfortably. But final salary pensions and jobs for life are now mostly a thing of the past. And interest rates on cash savings are well below the rate of inflation, so the purchasing power of our cash tends to fall each year. For many people, I think a more active approach to retirement saving is needed.