Q, July 4 -- Raj, 24, just landed his first big job. He's excited, but isn't retirement planning a little premature at that age?Not at all. That's the best time to start. The power of compounding works in your favor when you begin early. Investing Rs.1,000 a year can lead to a substantial retirement corpus over time. It's not about how much you save initially-it's about starting the habit.

Q: But what exactly is the National Pension System (NPS)? How does it work?It's a government-regulated, voluntary retirement savings scheme. You contribute regularly, and the money is invested in a mix of equity, corporate bonds, government securities, and alternative assets. It's market-linked, professionally managed, and low-cost, making it ideal for...