Savings by Age: Are You On Track?
Savings benchmarks by age give you a quick check on whether you're on pace for retirement. They're not absolute rules — but they're a useful gut-check, and a starting point if you've never planned.
Quick answer
A common rule of thumb (Fidelity): 1× salary saved by 30, 3× by 40, 6× by 50, 8× by 60, 10× by 67. So if you earn $80K, target $80K by 30, $240K by 40, $480K by 50.
The age-based salary multiplier
- By age 30: 1× your annual salary
- By age 40: 3× your annual salary
- By age 50: 6× your annual salary
- By age 60: 8× your annual salary
- By age 67: 10× your annual salary
This benchmark assumes you save 15% of income from age 25, retire at 67, and want to maintain ~80% of pre-retirement income in retirement.
What if you're behind?
Most people are behind these benchmarks — you're not alone. The fix isn't dramatic; it's persistent.
- Capture the full employer 401(k) match — instant 50–100% return.
- Increase your contribution rate by 1% per year. You won't feel it.
- Redirect future raises straight into retirement before lifestyle adjusts.
- Avoid lifestyle inflation: when income grows, savings should grow proportionally.
- Use catch-up contributions after 50 — extra $7,500 in 401(k), $1,000 in IRA.
Savings by decade — what to focus on
20s
Habit > amount. Even $100/month started at 25 outperforms $500/month started at 40 over a full career. Get the 401(k) match if you have one.
30s
Real income usually rises. Push contribution rate to 15%+ if possible. Avoid lifestyle creep when income grows.
40s
Peak earning years for many. This is where the gap between on-track and behind opens fastest. Max retirement accounts if you can.
50s
Catch-up contributions, plus seriously plan for healthcare costs and possibly long-term care insurance. Update your retirement target with realistic spending.
60s
Begin shifting some assets to safer investments to reduce sequence-of-returns risk near retirement. Plan Social Security claim timing carefully.
Use the calculator
See how your current savings will grow
Project your balance forward to retirement age.
Open Compound Interest CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Are these benchmarks realistic?
They're targets — not averages. The median American has far less. Use them as a north star, not a source of guilt.
Does home equity count?
Typically no, because you can't easily access it for living expenses without moving. Keep retirement targets separate from net worth.
What if I started saving late?
Save aggressively (20–25% of income), use catch-up contributions, plan to work a few years longer if needed, and consider downsizing housing later. The math still works — just with more intensity.
Should I include my partner's savings?
If you're planning retirement together, yes — combine them and compare to combined household income.
Related Guides
More reading from the Savings & Investing library.
How Long Does It Take to Reach $1 Million?
See exactly how long it takes to save $1 million at different monthly amounts and return rates — with realistic timelines and a free calculator.
Read guideSavings & InvestingEmergency Fund: How Much Should You Save?
How big should your emergency fund be? Clear targets by life stage, where to keep it, and how to build it fast.
Read guideSavings & InvestingWhy Starting Early Matters More Than Amount
Two friends, two saving strategies — see why the one who started 10 years earlier ends up with more, even after contributing less.
Read guideRelated Calculators
Put the numbers to work with our free calculators.
Compound Interest Calculator
See how your money grows over time with compounding.
Savings Goal Calculator
Find out how much to save each month to hit a target.