I didn't start saving for retirement until my mid-30s and even that was too late. I probably won't ever be able to retire.

• I'm sober now, but I was an addict most of my 20s and didn't save money.
• I'm in my late 30s and I don't know if I'll be able to afford retirement.
• I'm teaching my son financial literacy so he can be better prepared than I was.

I recently celebrated my 39th birthday, and I've made tremendous strides in managing my personal finances. Still, I'm regularly preoccupied with the thoughts that it's not enough. Not only is it unlikely I'll ever be able to afford a house, but I most likely won't have enough money to retire.