Neilson, 59, went into retail management after earning a general studies degree with a business concentration. "The money that I would like to be able to contribute to a retirement account is going to go instead to pay student loans." BI has previously spoken to some other older adults who have struggled with career progression later in life. For example, Crystal, a 62-year-old, never received a college degree, and it's kept her from progressing in the workforce. "With my age, I was just not attractive on paper, and not having a college degree was always a factor, too," Crystal said.

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Persons: Kris Neilson's, Neilson, it'll, She'll, I'm, it's, Crystal Organizations: Service, BI, National Bureau of Economic Research, Gallup, Lumina Foundation Locations: Neilson