Research: Retirement Savings Statistics 2026
Research notes and source checklist for the Retirement Savings statistics page.
Updated: 2026-02-03
Research: Retirement Savings Statistics 2026
Status: Research Complete (Feb 3, 2026) Primary Sources: Vanguard "How America Saves 2025", Fidelity Q3 2025 Analysis, Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study 2025, Schroders US Retirement Survey 2025.
1. The "Magic Number" (Retirement Goal)
How much do Americans think they need to retire?
- Northwestern Mutual (2025): $1.26 Million (Down from $1.46M in 2024).
- Schroders (2025): $1.28 Million.
- Trend: Expectations have stabilized around $1.25M-$1.3M after the post-inflation shock of 2024.
2. The Reality Check (Actual Savings)
How much do they actually have?
| Metric | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 401(k) Balance (All Ages) | $144,400 - $148,153 | Fidelity/Vanguard |
| Median 401(k) Balance | ~$35,000 - $40,000 | Vanguard (Est) |
| The Gap | ~$1.1 Million deficit for the median household. | X1 Analysis |
3. Benchmarks by Age (Vanguard 2025)
The most definitive dataset for "How am I doing compared to peers?"
| Age Group | Average Balance | Median Balance | X1 Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $6,899 | $1,948 | Gen Z starting earlier. |
| 25-34 | $42,640 | $16,255 | The "Compound Years." |
| 35-44 | $103,552 | $39,958 | The "Peak Expense" years (kids/homes). |
| 45-54 | $188,643 | $67,796 | The "Catch Up" window opens. |
| 55-64 | $271,320 | $95,642 | The "Red Zone" before retirement. |
| 65+ | $299,442 | $95,425 | CRITICAL: Median retiree has <$100k. |
4. The "Super Saver" (X1 Audience)
- 401(k) Millionaires: Fidelity reported a record number of 401(k) millionaires in Q3 2025 (typically top 2-3% of savers).
- Max Contributors: Only ~15% of participants max out their 401(k).
5. X1 Derived Insights (Synthesis)
- The "Average" Lie: The average is skewed heavily by the top 1%. The Median is the true benchmark for the middle class. X1 clients should aim for the 90th percentile, not the average.
- The "Gap" is Structural: A $1.28M goal vs. a $95k median reality means the traditional 401(k) system has failed for the median worker.
- The "Peak Earnings" Trap: Ages 45-54 show a massive divergence between average ($188k) and median ($67k), indicating that high earners pull away significantly in mid-career.
FAQ Candidates
- What is the average 401(k) balance for a 40-year-old?
- Answer: The average is ~$103,552, but the median (typical) balance is only ~$39,958.
- How much do I need to retire in 2026?
- Answer: Surveys suggest a target of $1.26 - $1.28 Million for a comfortable retirement.
- What is a good retirement savings by age 60?
- Answer: While the average is ~$271k, financial planners recommend having 8x your annual salary saved by age 60.
- Has the "Magic Number" for retirement gone up?
- Answer: Actually, it dropped slightly from $1.46M (2024) to ~$1.26M (2025), possibly due to cooling inflation expectations.
Update Checklist
- Replace Vanguard balance tables when a new How America Saves report publishes.
- Refresh the “Magic Number” from Northwestern Mutual and Schroders surveys each year.
- Update Fidelity’s 401(k) millionaire counts each quarter.
- Update the production page timestamp after any data changes.
Data-Driven Decisions
See where you stand
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