Here's a trick to quickly build your retirement savings; invent a time machine, go back in time and start when you're a kid. Don't want to go to all that trouble? Try this; buy a crystal ball and use it to determine this week's winning lottery numbers, then buy the winning ticket. If you don't have enough money for both the crystal ball and the lottery ticket; buy the ticket, but understand that your chances of success will be dramatically reduced.

Let's face it, when getting all the bills paid every month requires a magic trick, saving for retirement seems like a hopeless enterprise. Still, there are some fundamental principals which will help you build wealth no matter what you're current situation. These fundamentals remain the same whether you have millions, hundreds, or pennies: spend less than you make, avoid debt, build liquidity, and have a long term plan. The way up is always in the same direction, you just have to start where you are.

Spend Less

There are only two things you can do to save more for retirement; spend less, make more, or preferably both. Don't think you have to cut your spending in half and double your income; look for small ways to save, and dedicate those pennies to long term savings. Small incremental amounts soon add up to significant savings.

Apply the same principal to increase your income, and you'll be amazed how quickly your retirement savings build. Have a quarterly garage sale, put your "junk" on Craigslist, and reduce your clutter while you increase your savings. Better yet, decide now that you're going to put found money in savings, and next year's tax return won't get spent on the stuff you put on Craigslist the year after that!

Spend on Purpose

Not having a spending plan is like pouring milk with your eyes closed - you'll lose a lot and make a mess. Knowing where you're money is supposed to go and sending it there, means you'll hold on to more, and you won't always be reacting to self inflicted financial emergencies. Money always flows to people with a plan.

Avoid or Reduce Debt

Nothing leads to poverty like debt. Borrowing money is like saving in reverse the effect of compound interest destroys wealth well into the future. With the exception of a home mortgage (where the value of the home is greater than the mortgage) debt is a losing proposition. Resolve not to use credit cards, and pay off existing debt as aggressively as possible.

Emergency Funds

Building liquidity means

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