ONCE UPON A LONG TIME AGO...

If they don't offer a pension then you start your own when you're young and working. Putting a certain amount out of every paycheque away each week is a really good way of doing it. You don't miss it but over the years it still adds up to a nice nest egg. As P.T. Barnham said "A fool and his money are soon departed". Be smart with your money, if something is on sale buy 2 of them. Don't buy something when you need it buy it when its on sale. Price match with other stores (they do that here in Canada), negotiate when you can (that's always fun). Every little bit counts but don't deprive yourself either. You need a reward for all your hard work too.
Like I said, added stress. What you describe is a retirement account. A lot different than a pension