Increasing contributions each year can be an effective way to save more for retirement. This chart shows three people who each have a starting salary of $50,000 that increases with inflation and a 100% employer match capped at 5%. Stubborn Sara, who sticks to a 3% contribution rate, is left far behind. However, Escalating Ethan, who starts saving at 3% and gradually increases it to 10%, ends up not far behind Super Sam, who saves 10% consistently. This shows the power and value of escalating contributions each year.