If you’re a Gen Xer, the phrase “on track for retirement” might sound about as mythical as Bigfoot or a decent sequel to The Matrix. After all, we’ve spent decades navigating recessions, skyrocketing housing costs, and watching our parents retire comfortably while we’re stuck Googling “Is ramen still affordable in 2040?” But fear not, fellow latchkey kids! There are ways to tell if you’re on the right track for retirement

Here are five signs you’re on the right track—with just enough snark to make the truth sting a little less.

1. You’ve Actually Done the Math

If you’ve sat down with a retirement calculator (or a financial planner who didn’t judge your coffee habit) and figured out your “retirement number,” congratulations! You’re already ahead of half the population. Knowing how much you’ll need to live comfortably after you say goodbye to the 9-to-5 is step one.

Translation: If your idea of retirement planning is “winging it and hoping for the best,” you’re not on track—you’re on thin ice.

2. You’re Saving Like You Mean It

Here’s the thing about retirement: It’s expensive. If you’re putting at least 15-20% of your income into retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, pat yourself on the back. Bonus points if you’re maxing out your contributions or taking full advantage of your employer’s 401(k) match (a.k.a. free money).

Translation: If your savings strategy is “I’ll start next year,” you’re playing a dangerous game. Future you is not impressed.

3. You’ve Paid Down Your Debt

Debt is the retirement killer no one wants to talk about. If you’ve tackled your high-interest credit cards, student loans, or that car payment from your midlife crisis-mobile, you’re setting yourself up for success. The less money you owe, the more you can put toward future-you.

Translation: If you’re still swiping your credit card like it’s 1999, it’s time for a reality check.

4. You Have a Diverse Portfolio

Let’s talk investments. If all your retirement savings are sitting in a savings account earning 0.0000001% interest, you’re doing it wrong. A balanced portfolio with stocks, bonds, and other assets can help you grow your money and outpace inflation. (And yes, inflation is real—remember when movie tickets were $5?)

Translation: If you’re not sure what’s in your portfolio, it’s time to find out. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your money.

5. You’ve Got a Backup Plan

Life happens. Job losses, market crashes, surprise medical bills—all of these can throw a wrench in your retirement plans. If you’ve got an emergency fund, insurance, and maybe even a side hustle to fall back on, you’re doing it right. Flexibility is the name of the game.

Translation: If your backup plan is “I’ll just move in with my kids,” you might want to rethink your strategy. They’re probably already planning their own escape.

Final Thoughts

Look, retirement planning isn’t glamorous, and it definitely isn’t fun. But the good news is that it’s not impossible. If you’re doing the math, saving aggressively, paying off debt, investing smartly, and preparing for the unexpected, you’re on the right track for retirement. And if you’re not? Well, there’s no time like the present to get started.

Because let’s face it: You’ve survived dial-up internet, Y2K panic, and Woodstock ‘99. You can handle retirement planning. Probably.