Yes, some people cannot afford to save for retirement. As the article mentions, you shouldn't invest money that you can't live with for at least 10 years.

However, the opportunity lost for every year you defer retirement contributions is huge, especially when you factor in the employer match you could be getting.

If you assume a $200 a month contribution at about a 3% rate of return, the difference between 39 and 40 years of contributions is $7,600. Discounting the $2400 in contributions you would have made, that's still $5,200 lost just for waiting a year. And we're not even factoring in an employer match.

Again, agree that for some this may be a tough decision. But generally speaking, if you receive a salary and have the option to participate in a retirement plan, you should do it.