How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by Age?
Benchmarks by decade, what to do if you're behind, and why starting late is better than not starting.
Retirement benchmarks can feel daunting, but they're useful as directional guides — not as sources of shame. Here's where you should roughly be, and what to do if you're not there yet.
The Benchmarks (Fidelity's Rule of Thumb)
- By 30: 1x your annual salary saved
- By 40: 3x your salary
- By 50: 6x your salary
- By 60: 8x your salary
- By 67: 10x your salary
If You're Behind
Don't panic. The biggest factor is your savings rate going forward, not what you've saved so far. Someone who starts at 35 saving 20% of income can still retire comfortably. The math works — just with less margin for error.
Max Out These Accounts First
- 401(k) match: It's 100% return on investment. Always.
- HSA: Triple tax advantage if you have a high-deductible health plan.
- Roth IRA: $7,000/year in 2026. Grows and withdraws tax-free.
- 401(k) beyond match: Up to $23,500/year in 2026.
The Power of 15%
If you can save 15% of your gross income for retirement starting in your 20s, you'll likely be fine regardless of market conditions. That single number — 15% — simplifies all retirement planning.
TrendingBudget Team
Practical financial advice from people who actually budget.