On the long hike to retirement, taking the first step is important.

Three separate generations: baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, Gen-X’ers, born between 1965 and 1980, and millennials, born between 1981 and 2000, tend to navigate that winding trail differently.

Let’s take a look:

Baby boomers started saving for retirement at 35.

Millennials, possibly as a reaction to the 2007 economic crisis and concerns about social security have started saving a full 13 years earlier when they are just 22 years old.

Gen-X, splits the difference and started saving at 27.

Even though they are the farthest away from retirement, millennials are saving an average of 8% of their pay compared to Gen-X’s 7%. Baby boomers consistently save about 10% of their paychecks. The millennial generation appears to have started off on the right foot on the road to retirement.

The lesson for my children is clear, save early, save more.