Let’s talk about your nest egg. No, not in a “Why haven’t you saved more?” way – this isn’t a guilt trip. Instead, think of this as a friendly check-in. Whether your savings are soaring or just getting off the ground, it’s natural to wonder: How do I measure up? And for those of you eyeing the top 10% of retirement savers, these numbers will show you exactly what it takes.
Spoiler: It’s not all doom and gloom; there’s always time to make moves. Let’s break it down.
Don’t Miss:
The Averages: Are You Ahead or Behind?
First, let’s look at what the average American has saved for retirement by age group. According to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, here’s where things stand:
Under 35:
• Average savings: $49,130
• Median savings: $18,880
Ages 35-44:
• Average savings: $141,520
• Median savings: $45,000
Ages 45-54:
• Average savings: $313,220
• Median savings: $115,000
Ages 55-64:
• Average savings: $537,560
• Median savings: $185,000
Ages 65-74:
• Average savings: $609,230
• Median savings: $200,000
75 and older:
• Average savings: $462,410
• Median savings: $130,000
If you’re beating these averages, that’s worth celebrating! But maybe you’re eyeing the next level – joining the top 10%. What does that look like?
The top 10% of retirement savers are in a league of their own. Here’s what it takes to join their ranks:
Median savings: Around $900,000.
Average savings: Roughly $1.3 million.
It’s important to mention the average is higher because a few ultra-wealthy savers skew the numbers, while the median shows what most people have.
By age 50, the top 10% of savers often have over $500,000 tucked away.
By 55, they’re typically closing in on $750,000 or more.
And the crème de la crème? The top 1% boast savings of $2.3 million. But, when considering a broader definition of retirement assets, the number soars to $5 million, according to data from DQYDJ, using stats from the Federal Reserve.
What Should You Aim For?
Even if the top 10% feels far off, financial experts offer benchmarks to keep you on track for a comfortable retirement:
• Age 30: Save 1x your annual salary.
• Age 40: 3x your salary.
• Age 50: 6x your salary.
• Age 60: 8x your salary.
• Age 67: 10x your salary.
These milestones aren’t hard rules – life happens. But they’re a good starting point to see where you stand.
If your savings feel a little underwhelming, don’t stress. There are plenty of ways to catch up:
1. Max out retirement contributions: Contribute as much as possible to your 401(k) or IRA. And if your employer offers a match, grab that free money!
2. Start saving early: The earlier you start, the more compound interest works in your favor. If you’re late to the game, don’t worry – you can still catch up.
3. Take advantage of catch-up contributions: For those over 50, you can sock away an additional $7,500 annually in your 401(k). Starting in 2025, individuals aged 60-63 can save up to $11,250.
4. Cut unnecessary expenses: Redirect what you save toward your retirement fund. Small sacrifices now can lead to big wins later.
5. Diversify your investments. A mix of stocks, bonds and other assets can balance risk and grow your nest egg.
It’s Not Too Late to Make Moves
If you’re behind, don’t panic – it’s never too late to start. Whether you’re playing catch-up in your 50s or just starting in your 20s, every little bit counts. The key is consistency and making smart financial choices now to give your future self a leg up.
So, how does your nest egg stack up? If you’re already ahead of the averages, you’re in a great spot. And if not, now’s the perfect time to build a plan and take control of your financial future. Remember, retirement savings aren’t about perfection – they’re about progress.
*This information is not financial advice and personalized guidance from a financial adviser is recommended for making well-informed decisions.
Read Next:
Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge’s one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today’s competitive market.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.