For most people, the greatest earning period is from age 35 to 55. During these years, people may have extra money; some spend it on fun stuff, while others invest part of it for the future. For the average person, earnings peak near age 50 and then decline until, at some point, earnings fall below the cost of living. Many of those who fail to invest for the future end up not having enough income when they retire to maintain their standard of living. That?€?s when they approach their kids to see if there is room for them in their kids?€? basement! Those who do invest along the way can use money from their investments to maintain their standard of living.