Here's how much Americans have saved for retirement (2024)

Americans are still struggling to save enough for the future.

A worrisome 22% have less than $5,000 in savings earmarked for retirement, according to new data from Northwestern Mutual's 2019 Planning & Progress Study. Another 5% have between $5,000 and $24,999 put away and only 16% have saved $200,000 or more.

Additionally, 46% of respondents say they don't know how much they have saved for retirement.

The numbers are just as bleak when divided by generation. Although many baby boomers, defined here as those ages 55 to 73, are nearing retirement, 17% have less than $5,000 in retirement savings.

Many Americans are aware of their lack of savings, yet few are doing anything about it. On average, survey respondents say there's a 45% chance they'll outlive their savings, yet 41% haven't taken any actions to address the issue.

That's startling, Emily Holbrook, senior director of planning at Northwestern Mutual, tells CNBC Make It. "People absolutely should be taking steps," she says. "They need to become educated, they need to meet with a financial advisor and discuss their options."

Here's how much Americans have saved for retirement (1)

VIDEO0:0000:00

Here's how much money you should have saved now

This gap in retirement savings also likely relates to the fact that Americans plan to work longer and retire later. Nearly half of survey respondents across all generations expect to retire after age 65, Northwestern Mutual found. For boomers, things are even more extreme: 68% of respondents say they expect to retire after the age of 65.

For many people, working longer is a choice, the survey found. A number of Americans believe they'll be able to take on second careers or side jobs in order to continue to bring in income later in life, Holbrook says.

However, planning to stay in the workforce isn't always a reliable option. Northwestern Mutual found that when people retire at a different age than they plan to, it's typically earlier, rather than later. "It's generally due to health issues or layoffs — things out of their control — which really compounds this [retirement savings] issue," Holbrook explains.

"While people think, 'I'm not in a good position and my solution will be to continue working,' that isn't always an actionable choice that they have."

While people think, 'I'm not in a good position and my solution will be to continue working,' that isn't always an actionable choice that they have.

Emily Holbrook

senior director of planning at Northwestern Mutual

To make sure you'll be able to cover your expenses in retirement, it's key to start saving and investing as early as possible. For many Americans, the easiest way to start is by contributing part of your paycheck directly into your employer's 401(k) plan. If you never see the money, you won't miss it.

If your employer doesn't offer a 401(k) plan, you can look into other tax-advantaged retirement savings vehicles, such as a Roth IRA or traditional IRA.

Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube!

Don't miss: Here's how much you need to put in your 401(k) every month to retire with $1 million

Here's how much Americans have saved for retirement (2)

VIDEO1:3401:34

Suze Orman: Why you should never pay student loans from your 401(k)

Here's how much Americans have saved for retirement (2024)

FAQs

Here's how much Americans have saved for retirement? ›

What are the average and median retirement savings? The average retirement savings for all families is $333,940, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. The median retirement savings for all families is $87,000. Taken on their own, those numbers aren't incredibly helpful.

How much does the average American have saved for retirement? ›

What are the average and median retirement savings? The average retirement savings for all families is $333,940, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. The median retirement savings for all families is $87,000. Taken on their own, those numbers aren't incredibly helpful.

How many Americans have $1,000,000 in retirement savings? ›

(TND) — A record number of people have reached $1 million in their 401(k) retirement accounts, according to Fidelity Investments. A Fidelity spokesperson Tuesday said they counted 485,000 such accounts as of the first quarter of the year, up 15% from the previous quarter and up 43% from a year ago.

What percentage of Americans have a 401k? ›

A Census Bureau report from 2022 showed that just 58% of baby boomers and 56% of Gen X Americans owned at least one type of retirement account. Less than half of millennials had a retirement account, as did just 7.7% of the youngest adults, Gen Z.

How much does the average 70 year old have in savings? ›

The Federal Reserve also measures median and mean (average) savings across other types of financial assets. According to the data, the average 70-year-old has approximately: $60,000 in transaction accounts (including checking and savings) $127,000 in certificate of deposit (CD) accounts.

How long will 500k last in retirement? ›

According to the 4% rule, if you retire with $500,000 in assets, you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for 30 years or more. Moreover, investing this money in an annuity could provide a guaranteed annual income of $24,688 for those retiring at 55.

Can I retire at 60 with 300k? ›

£300k in a pension isn't a huge amount to retire on at the fairly young age of 60, but it's possible for certain lifestyles depending on how your pension fund performs while you're retired and how much you need to live on.

Is $400,000 enough to retire at 65? ›

You can retire a little early on $400,000, but it won't be easy. If you have the option of working and saving for a few more years, it will give you a significantly more comfortable retirement.

Can I retire at 65 with 500k? ›

The short answer is yes, $500,000 is enough for many retirees. The question is how that will work out for you. With an income source like Social Security, modes spending, and a bit of good luck, this is feasible. And when two people in your household get Social Security or pension income, it's even easier.

What is a comfortable retirement income? ›

Their latest figures show that a single person will need £12,800 a year to achieve the minimum living standard, £23,300 a year for moderate, and £37,300 a year for comfortable. For couples it is £19,900, 34,000 and £54,5001. The minimum living standard covers most people's basic needs plus enough for some fun.

What is the average 401k balance for a 65 year old? ›

Average and median 401(k) balances by age
Age rangeAverage balanceMedian balance
35-44$76,354$28,318
45-54$142,069$48,301
55-64$207,874$71,168
65+$232,710$70,620
2 more rows
Mar 13, 2024

How common is 100% 401k match? ›

Employers can match up to 100% of your own contributions, but no more. This, however, would be extremely rare to begin with. So if you are 50 years of age, or older, and contribute $30,000 and your employer provides you with a 100% match, you'll save a maximum of $66,000 in one year.

Does 401k double every 7 years? ›

One of those tools is known as the Rule 72. For example, let's say you have saved $50,000 and your 401(k) holdings historically has a rate of return of 8%. 72 divided by 8 equals 9 years until your investment is estimated to double to $100,000.

How much do most Americans retire with? ›

The above chart shows that U.S. residents 35 and under have an average of $30,170 in retirement savings; those 35 to 44 have an average $131,950; those 45 to 54 have an average $254,720; those 55 to 64 have an average $408,420; those 65 to 74 have an average $426,070; and those over 70 have an average $357,920.

What net worth is considered rich? ›

In the United States, the concept of being rich is often a subject of discussion, curiosity and, sometimes, aspiration. Charles Schwab's 2023 Modern Wealth Survey provides insights into this topic, revealing that the average American equates being wealthy with a net worth of approximately $2.2 million.

What is considered wealthy at retirement? ›

To be considered wealthy at age 65 or older, you need a household net worth of $3.2 million, according to finance expert Geoffrey Schmidt, CPA, who used data from the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) to determine the household net worth needed at age 65 or older to determine the various percentiles of wealth in ...

How many people have $500,000 in retirement? ›

In 2022, about 46% of households reported any savings in retirement accounts. Twenty-six percent had saved more than $100,000, and 9% had more than $500,000. These percentages were only somewhat higher for older people. Those ages 50 to 54 were the most likely to have a retirement account.

Can I retire at 50 with 300k? ›

Let's walk through the scenario. With $300,000 planned for your use as a retiree, a retirement age of 50, and an anticipated life expectancy of 85 years, you need that money to last you 35 years. This should mean that your yearly income is around $8,571, and your monthly payment is around $714.

How long will 1 million in 401k last? ›

How long will $1 million in retirement savings last? In more than 20 U.S. states, a million-dollar nest egg can cover retirees' living expenses for at least 20 years, a new analysis shows. It's worth noting that most Americans are nowhere near having that much money socked away.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Horacio Brakus JD

Last Updated:

Views: 5312

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Horacio Brakus JD

Birthday: 1999-08-21

Address: Apt. 524 43384 Minnie Prairie, South Edda, MA 62804

Phone: +5931039998219

Job: Sales Strategist

Hobby: Sculling, Kitesurfing, Orienteering, Painting, Computer programming, Creative writing, Scuba diving

Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.