After the holidays, I needed to save up some money for my family. I decided not to spend money for a month; I had to curb late-night spending first. I've had a hard time envisioning my own retirement.

It’s unusual for a 9-year-old child to be captivated by the news. But my parents can attest, I was that strange kid who stayed up past my bedtime to watch the evening news. Sometimes, I have to pinch ...