Pretty much obvious

Investment advice from Americans have proven to suck, so let's give the Aussies a shot.

NEW superannuation laws mean generation X must drastically change its approach to saving for retirement, as the days of waiting until 50 to start seriously contributing to super -- a popular strategy among baby boomers -- are over.

For those in their 40s who have only ever relied on the standard contribution of 9per cent of their annual income to super, this may mean putting away between $12,000 and $25,000 a year (depending on the starting balance and how much is needed in retirement) and building up a portfolio of investments outside super.

However, this is a generation that has more debt than any of the generations before it, so while genX-ers may be earning more than their parents did at their age, it is very likely that their cash flow will be lower.