I know this really goes against the grain of being a parent, but when it comes to retirement savings, you have to put yourself first. This is a message for parents and grandparents, and it’s a lot like the safety instructions you get on an airplane when you’re told to secure your own oxygen mask before you help your child. This is smart advice because you won’t be much use to your child, or anyone else, if you don’t take care of yourself first. Don’t finance your child’s college education, or assist other family members, at the expense of your retirement savings. That has to be goal number one, because there are no scholarships for your retirement.