How Much Should You Have Saved for Retirement by Age?

Retirement savings benchmarks give you a ballpark figure to aim for at each life stage. While everyone's situation is different, these guidelines — popularized by Fidelity Investments and other financial institutions — are a useful starting point for assessing your progress.

The Benchmark Framework

Based on the assumption of retiring at 67 and maintaining your current lifestyle, general benchmarks suggest having saved a multiple of your annual salary by each milestone age:

What If You Are Behind?

Most Americans are behind these benchmarks — and that is okay. What matters is taking action now. Here is how to accelerate your savings:

• Maximize tax-advantaged contributions. In 2026, you can contribute up to $23,500 to a 401(k) — and if you are 50+, an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution.
• Capture employer matching. At a minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match. This is a 50–100% instant return on your money.
• Reduce high-interest debt. Paying off 20% APR credit card debt is equivalent to earning a 20% guaranteed investment return.
• Delay retirement if possible. Even 2–3 extra working years adds contributions, delays withdrawals, and increases Social Security benefits.

The 4% Rule: How Much Do You Really Need?

The 4% rule suggests that you can safely withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, then adjust for inflation annually, and your savings should last at least 30 years. So to replace $50,000/year in income, you need a portfolio of roughly $1.25 million ($50,000 ÷ 0.04).