Are Your Retirement Savings On Track? Benchmarks for Ages 30, 50, and 60

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ICARO Media Group
News
02/06/2025 11h06

**Title: Are Your Retirement Savings On Track? Benchmarks for Ages 30, 50, and 60**

Amid widespread financial anxiety, retirement savings remain a significant concern for many Americans. A 2025 survey by Capital One and The Decision Lab revealed that 77% of U.S. adults experience anxiety about their personal finances, while a separate Allianz Life survey highlighted that 64% of adults fear outliving their savings more than death.

To help Americans understand if their retirement savings are on track, analysts at T. Rowe Price have published benchmarks based on age and income. These guidelines can serve as important milestones, indicating whether individuals are on the right path towards a financially secure retirement.

In their 30s, people are often balancing accelerating incomes with substantial expenses such as purchasing homes or starting families. The median age for first-time homebuyers is 38, according to the National Association of Realtors. Despite the financial pressures, this age group has the advantage of time for their investments to grow. T. Rowe Price recommends having 1 to 1.5 times your annual income saved by your mid-to-late 30s. For instance, an individual earning $70,000 annually should have between $70,000 to $105,000 saved.

For those in their 50s, this decade often marks a period of established careers and reduced mortgage burdens. It presents a prime opportunity to significantly boost savings and investments. T. Rowe Price advises having 3.5 to 5.5 times your annual income saved. Thus, someone with an annual income of $100,000 should aim for a retirement fund of up to $550,000. Additionally, increasing the yearly savings rate to 15% of income, or even higher for top earners, is suggested.

As individuals approach their 60s, retirement planning becomes more critical. The average retirement age is 64 for men and 63 for women, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. T. Rowe Price’s benchmark suggests having 7.5 to 13.5 times your annual income saved. For example, someone earning $120,000 a year should ideally have up to $1.62 million in assets to consider retiring comfortably.

These benchmarks are based on a general rule of a 4% annual withdrawal in retirement. Individual retirement goals may vary significantly, especially if planning to move to areas with different living costs or if expecting different lifestyle expenses.

For those lagging behind on savings, T. Rowe Price recommends strategies such as maximizing company matches in workplace retirement plans, gradually increasing the savings rate, and making catch-up contributions for those over 50. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can take proactive steps towards securing a financially stable retirement.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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