How much you should have saved depends on your age, income, and goals. Here are the key savings milestones — both for your emergency fund and for long-term retirement savings.
Retirement Savings Milestones by Age
Based on Fidelity’s widely cited salary multiplier guidelines.
| Age | Savings Target | Example: $50K | Example: $75K | Example: $100K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 0.5x salary | $25,000 | $37,500 | $50,000 |
| 30 | 1x salary | $50,000 | $75,000 | $100,000 |
| 35 | 2x salary | $100,000 | $150,000 | $200,000 |
| 40 | 3x salary | $150,000 | $225,000 | $300,000 |
| 45 | 4x salary | $200,000 | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| 50 | 6x salary | $300,000 | $450,000 | $600,000 |
| 55 | 7x salary | $350,000 | $525,000 | $700,000 |
| 60 | 8x salary | $400,000 | $600,000 | $800,000 |
| 67 | 10x salary | $500,000 | $750,000 | $1,000,000 |
Emergency Fund Milestones
| Life Stage | Recommended Emergency Fund |
|---|---|
| Single, renting, stable job | 3 months expenses |
| Married/family, one income | 6 months expenses |
| Self-employed or variable income | 9-12 months expenses |
| Near retirement | 12+ months in liquid savings |
Average Retirement Savings by Age (2026)
| Age Group | Median Savings | Mean (Average) Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $13,000 | $49,100 |
| 35-44 | $43,000 | $141,500 |
| 45-54 | $87,000 | $313,200 |
| 55-64 | $134,000 | $537,800 |
| 65-74 | $185,000 | $609,200 |
| 75+ | $137,000 | $462,100 |
How Much to Save Each Month at Different Ages
To hit 10x $75,000 salary ($750,000) by 67, assuming 7% annual return:
| Starting Age | Monthly Savings Needed | Total Saved | Total Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | $430 | $197,800 | $552,200 |
| 25 | $530 | $219,900 | $530,100 |
| 30 | $755 | $272,100 | $477,900 |
| 35 | $1,100 | $343,200 | $406,800 |
| 40 | $1,640 | $426,400 | $323,600 |
| 45 | $2,580 | $516,000 | $234,000 |
Each decade you wait roughly doubles the required monthly savings.
Savings Rate Benchmarks
| Savings Rate | Approximate Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| 5% | Age 65+ |
| 10% | Age 60-65 |
| 15% | Age 55-60 |
| 20% | Age 50-55 |
| 30%+ | Age 45-50 (FIRE-adjacent) |
Where to Save (Priority Order)
| Step | Account | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 401(k) to employer match | Free money |
| 2 | HSA (if eligible) | Triple tax advantage |
| 3 | Roth IRA (if eligible) | Tax-free growth |
| 4 | Return to 401(k) max | $23,500 / year |
| 5 | Taxable brokerage | No limits, flexible |
Related: Financial Milestones by Age | How Much Should I Have Saved By 30 | Retirement Savings by Age Chart
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