If one starts saving as a young adult, you don't need a lot of sophisticated investment strategies to try and make up for lost time. I don't think most people start worrying about retiring until mid 40's or early 50's. By then it is too late unless one can squirrel away 50% of income..
You can save your ass off, but with savings accounts and CD’s paying 0.10 % on your money it aint going to be enough.