Financial planners often are asked, “When should I start saving for retirement?” Although everyone’s circumstances differ, the answer usually is a variation on this theme: As soon as possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s ever too late to begin, or that you’ll have the same financial priorities at every age. When you’re embarking on a career, you may not have much extra income to set aside, but you can work on establishing sound financial habits. Later, though you’ll likely earn more, you’ll also likely have greater obligations—supporting your family, paying a mortgage note, and, yes, saving for retirement. Still other factors may come into play as you approach your golden years.

Consider these basic approaches during different financial stages of your life.

In your 20s. Retirement may seem several lifetimes away. What’s more, the salary you earn during your early working years likely won’t provide much cushion for savings. But you may be surprised by how much you can accumulate if you’re dedicated, thanks largely to the power of tax-deferred compounding. For instance, if you save $1,000 a month and earn 8% on your savings compounded annually for 40 years until retirement, you will amass a staggering $3,271,022.95. (These figures are hypothetical and not indicative of any particular investment.)

The easiest way for most people to sustain tax-deferred growth is through a 401(k) or another tax-advantaged retirement plan. If your employer provides matching contributions, try to contribute at least as much as you need to qualify for the maximum match.

In your 30s and 40s. These are prime earning years, but you also might incur substantial expenses raising the kids, buying and maintaining a home, and paying for college. Nevertheless, you should do your best to stay disciplined and contribute as much as you can to your retirement plans. For 2017, you can defer up to $18,000 of salary to your 401(k). In addition, if you establish an IRA, the annual contribution limit is $5,500. Meanwhile, although contributions to a Roth IRA are never tax-deductible, future payouts may be tax-free.

In your 50s and 60s. This may be when you earn the highest salary of your career. If the kids are out of college and the mortgage is paid off, it’s truly time to make hay while the sun shines. Although you might not have been as diligent at retirement saving in the past as you would have hoped to be, you can recover lost ground quickly by socking away more in your retirement plans at this point in your life. For 2017, you can contribute an extra $6,000 to a 401(k) and an additional $1,000 to an IRA, above the limits already discussed. And you can save still more in taxable accounts outside your retirement plans.