Saving for retirement can be tricky, especially for real estate agents whose income varies month-to-month and year-to-year. Remember, it’s never too early to start planning for your retirement. We asked agents across the country to share their retirement tips for real estate agents. Here are just some of the tips they provided.

1. Take classes.
Knowledge is power. You don’t have to become a financial expert, but it’s important to have basic money management skills and a foundational understanding of finances. You can gain these skills by taking classes on financial management, retirement planning and retirement investment.

“When it comes to saving for retirement, it is a matter of discipline and understanding of finances. If one has no skills or knowledge in finances, one needs to study or attend a seminar or series of classes specifically designed to teach how to manage one’s own income and expenses.” – Douglas S.

2. Set it and forget it.
Open an IRA account and set it up so that every time you get paid, a portion of your earnings automatically transfers into the IRA. This is a disciplined way to save—without having to think about it each month.

“The best way for saving for retirement is to pay yourself first by setting up an automatic transfer to an IRA account on payday. This way you can’t take it back, as with a regular savings account. Determine the monthly amount you can contribute and then divide it by your pay distribution schedule. You never miss it!” – Shonna K.

3. It’s never too early (or too late).
It doesn’t matter how old you are or when you plan to retire. Start saving for retirement now. Come up with a strict financial budget that includes setting aside money each month for retirement savings, and get started today.

“In order to retire, you need to start saving early. Be diligent in taking a set amount of money from each paycheck to set aside for your savings. Try to never take money out, even for emergencies. Pretend that it does not exist. Make sure that it’s in an interest-bearing account. If you are dedicated and strict in your savings, you will be pleasantly surprised at the amount of savings you can accumulate in just a few years.” – John O.

4. Invest in rental properties.
Our final retirement tip for real estate agents is to invest in rental properties. Use your real estate knowledge and connections to identify smart investment opportunities. Then use those properties to generate passive income that you can put toward your retirement.

“When you talk about retirement, I have found buying rental property has turned out to be the best bet. Long-term income is fantastic.” – Juanita T.

Do you already have a solid retirement savings plan in place? If not, follow these retirement tips for real estate agents, and start saving right away.

Yazir Phelps is the president of Colibri Real Estate, a national leader in online learning for pre-licensing, continuing education and professional development. Colibri Real Estate’s portfolio of brands includes Colibri Real Estate, McKissock Learning, Superior School of Real Estate, Allied Schools and The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. Phelps has over 18 years of experience in marketing at Fortune 500 organizations and over five years of experience working directly with real estate professionals. Learn more at colibrirealestate.com.