Updated February 2026 · Reading time: 14 minutes
The median 401(k) balance for Americans aged 55–64 is $83,984 — not the $271,320 "average" you've probably seen in every retirement savings by age article. If you just searched "am I behind on retirement savings," you're one of the 58% of American workers who feel that way, according to Bankrate's 2025 Retirement Savings Survey. But here's what those anxiety-inducing articles won't tell you: the number you're comparing yourself against is inflated nearly 3.9 times above what the typical American actually has saved. You may be closer to "on track" than you think — and even if you're not, the catch-up math is more forgiving than the internet would have you believe.
And that's what this article is actually for — not to scare you, but to show you the real numbers.
No tool replaces a good financial advisor, and a retirement calculator won't tell you what to invest in. But honest data? That can change how you feel about where you stand — and what you do next.
You're not as behind as you think — here's the real data
Let's start with the number that reframes everything: 45.7% of U.S. households have zero dedicated retirement savings — no 401(k), no IRA, nothing set aside specifically for retirement, according to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances via Congressional Research Service analysis. If you have anything saved, you're already ahead of nearly half the country.
That doesn't mean everything is fine. It means the starting point for an honest conversation is different from what most retirement content gives you.
The feeling of being behind is real and widespread. Bankrate found that 58% of workers say their retirement savings are behind where they should be, including 37% who say they're significantly behind. Among Gen X — the generation closest to retirement — that number jumps to 69%. And it's not a new trend: the share of workers feeling behind has risen steadily from 56% in 2023 to 57% in 2024 to 58% in 2025.
Not saving early enough for retirement is the number one financial regret in America — and has been for six of the seven years Bankrate has tracked it. Twenty-two percent of all Americans cite it as their single biggest regret. Among Baby Boomers, 36% do. Stephen Kates, CFP and Financial Analyst at Bankrate, puts it plainly: "One consistent takeaway from this study every year is the durability of 'not saving enough for retirement' as a regret. The percentage of people with this regret grows with age as retirement draws closer."
Here's the thing most retirement content won't say out loud:
Feeling behind isn't just uncomfortable — it can become self-reinforcing. Research from Cornell University found that people experiencing anxiety and depression are nearly 25% less likely to have a retirement savings account at all, and their retirement savings share can be up to 67% lower. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that financial anxiety triggers avoidance — the most anxious people are less likely to seek planning help, not more.
That's the cycle this article is designed to break. The data ahead isn't meant to scare you. It's meant to give you an honest baseline — one built on medians instead of misleading averages — so you can make decisions from clarity, not panic.
If you feel ashamed of your retirement savings amount, or feel the comparison pressure of seeing friends and coworkers talk about their 401(k) balances, you're not alone — and the comparison itself may be misleading. Most people only share good news about money, which makes comparing savings to friends an unreliable benchmark. The median tells a very different story than what shows up in casual conversation.
And some of the reason you feel behind has nothing to do with your choices. Twenty-eight percent of private industry workers — roughly 35.6 million people — don't have access to any employer-sponsored retirement plan, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among workers at firms with fewer than 100 employees, 41% lack access. Being "behind" often starts with a system that never gave you a starting line.
So where do you actually stand? Let's look at the numbers that matter.
See where you actually stand with the Retirement Gap Analyzer — median benchmarks, not inflated averages. Free, no account required.
Retirement savings benchmarks: average vs. median (the numbers that actually matter)
Every retirement article you've read probably used the word "average." Here's why that's a problem — and why a real retirement savings by age comparison requires looking at an entirely different number.
The "average" is pulled dramatically higher by a small number of very wealthy accounts. The median — the actual midpoint where half of savers are above and half below — tells a completely different story. According to Vanguard's "How America Saves 2025" report, based on roughly 5 million participants with year-end 2024 data:
Age bracket | Average 401(k) | Median 401(k) | Avg-to-median ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 25 | $6,899 | $1,948 | 3.5x |
25–34 | $37,557 | $14,933 | 2.5x |
35–44 | $91,281 | $37,870 | 2.4x |
45–54 | $168,474 | $60,763 | 2.8x |
55–64 | $271,320 | $83,984 | 3.2x |
65+ | $299,442 | $95,425 | 3.1x |
All ages | $148,153 | $38,176 | 3.9x |
Nearly three-quarters of the "gap" between you and the average is a statistical illusion created by high-balance outliers. The overall average ($148,153) is 3.9 times the median ($38,176). When someone reads that the "average American" aged 55–64 has $271,320 saved, they're comparing themselves against a number inflated 69% above the midpoint. The actual midpoint saver at that age has $83,984.
And here's the detail that changes the picture even more:
These are single Vanguard 401(k) account balances — not total household retirement savings. Many people have multiple accounts. The Federal Reserve's SCF provides household-level data showing median combined 401(k)/IRA balances of roughly $204,000 for near-retirement households who have plans, per the Center for Retirement Research. That's a more complete picture — and a more achievable target.
How the major benchmarks compare
Different firms set very different targets, and it's worth understanding why:
Source | Target at age 50 | Target at retirement | Key assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
6x salary | 10x salary by 67 | 15% savings rate from day one | |
Income-dependent ($120K–$620K at 40) | 7.5x–13.5x salary | 15% pre-tax; retirement at 65 | |
5x salary | 11x ending salary | Graduated: start at 6%, ramp to 15% | |
Vanguard median (actual) | $60,763 | $83,984 (55–64) | What Americans actually have |
CRR median (households w/ plans) | — | ~$204,000 | Median combined 401(k)/IRA |
Fidelity's 10x rule assumes a 15% savings rate sustained for an entire career. The national personal savings rate is 3.5% as of November 2025, per the Bureau of Economic Analysis via FRED. T. Rowe Price's graduated approach — starting at 6% and ramping up — is more realistic but still assumes consistent increases most workers don't make.
The key insight: these targets are planning tools, not pass/fail grades. They're built on assumptions — a 15% savings rate sustained over a full career — that most households don't meet. The median tells you where Americans actually are, which can be a more useful starting point than a target designed for an ideal scenario.
Fidelity's Q3 2025 report — covering 24.8 million participants — found an average 401(k) balance of $144,400, closely tracking Vanguard's $148,153. Two independent datasets covering tens of millions of accounts point to the same conclusion.
Retirement Gap Analyzer
Before diving into strategies, it helps to know your actual gap — measured against median benchmarks, not aspirational targets that may not reflect your situation.
Most retirement calculators — including the typical "am I on track?" retirement quiz — ask a few inputs and produce a target number based on assumptions that vary significantly from one tool to the next. The Gap Analyzer takes a different approach: it shows you where you stand relative to three different benchmarks — the national median, the Fidelity industry standard, and a personalized target based on your actual expenses — so you can decide which one matters for your life.
What makes this calculator different
Many retirement calculators — from Fidelity, Empower, NerdWallet, and others — are designed to give you a quick estimate and then connect you with services that can help, including financial advisors. That's a reasonable business model, and for many people, connecting with an advisor is exactly the right next step. The difference with the Retirement Gap Analyzer is that it stops at the number: no advisory pipeline, no product recommendations, no referral revenue. It shows you where you stand and lets you decide what to do next — whether that's working with an advisor, adjusting your savings rate, or simply understanding your position more clearly.
Key inputs that shape your retirement picture
2026 contribution limits (IRS Notice 2025-67):
Account type | Standard limit | Catch-up (50+) | Super catch-up (60–63) | Max possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
401(k) | $24,500 | +$8,000 | +$11,250 | $35,750 |
IRA | $7,500 | +$1,100 | — | $8,600 |
Congress specifically created enhanced catch-up contributions for workers ages 60–63 through SECURE 2.0 because they recognized that millions of Americans need additional tools to close their retirement savings gap. The $11,250 super catch-up — the highest catch-up limit ever — is a direct legislative acknowledgment that being behind is normal, not a personal failure.
Note: Workers earning over $150,000 in FICA wages (the portion of earnings subject to Social Security tax) must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis starting in 2026.
Beyond traditional 401(k) and IRA accounts, some workers also use an HSA as a stealth retirement account — contributing the 2026 family maximum of $8,550 with triple tax advantages (tax-free in, tax-free growth, tax-free out for medical expenses). Higher earners with access to after-tax 401(k) contributions may also explore the mega backdoor Roth strategy as a catch-up vehicle, though the rules are complex and a financial professional can help evaluate whether it fits your situation. For those carrying significant debt, the question of whether to prioritize debt payoff vs. investing for retirement depends on interest rates, employer match, and timeline — there's no universal answer, but the employer match is almost always worth capturing first.
What the calculator shows you
The Gap Analyzer produces eight outputs from eight inputs: your savings gap against median benchmarks, the monthly savings rate needed to close it, the impact of working one additional year, your fee drag estimate, catch-up contribution capacity, a Social Security income estimate, a total retirement income projection, and a personalized action priority showing which single change has the biggest impact for your situation. It also functions as a retirement savings rate calculator — showing you the exact percentage of income you'd need to save based on your current age and balance.
A comprehensive retirement assessment also looks beyond savings balance alone. Your Truthifi Score evaluates 100+ diagnostic factors — including fee exposure, asset allocation, and risk alignment — to provide a fuller picture of retirement readiness than a single savings number can offer. For a complete picture beyond just savings, check your full retirement readiness score across income, fees, healthcare, and spending dimensions.
Updated February 2026 · Reading time: 14 minutes
The median 401(k) balance for Americans aged 55–64 is $83,984 — not the $271,320 "average" you've probably seen in every retirement savings by age article. If you just searched "am I behind on retirement savings," you're one of the 58% of American workers who feel that way, according to Bankrate's 2025 Retirement Savings Survey. But here's what those anxiety-inducing articles won't tell you: the number you're comparing yourself against is inflated nearly 3.9 times above what the typical American actually has saved. You may be closer to "on track" than you think — and even if you're not, the catch-up math is more forgiving than the internet would have you believe.
And that's what this article is actually for — not to scare you, but to show you the real numbers.
No tool replaces a good financial advisor, and a retirement calculator won't tell you what to invest in. But honest data? That can change how you feel about where you stand — and what you do next.
You're not as behind as you think — here's the real data
Let's start with the number that reframes everything: 45.7% of U.S. households have zero dedicated retirement savings — no 401(k), no IRA, nothing set aside specifically for retirement, according to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances via Congressional Research Service analysis. If you have anything saved, you're already ahead of nearly half the country.
That doesn't mean everything is fine. It means the starting point for an honest conversation is different from what most retirement content gives you.
The feeling of being behind is real and widespread. Bankrate found that 58% of workers say their retirement savings are behind where they should be, including 37% who say they're significantly behind. Among Gen X — the generation closest to retirement — that number jumps to 69%. And it's not a new trend: the share of workers feeling behind has risen steadily from 56% in 2023 to 57% in 2024 to 58% in 2025.
Not saving early enough for retirement is the number one financial regret in America — and has been for six of the seven years Bankrate has tracked it. Twenty-two percent of all Americans cite it as their single biggest regret. Among Baby Boomers, 36% do. Stephen Kates, CFP and Financial Analyst at Bankrate, puts it plainly: "One consistent takeaway from this study every year is the durability of 'not saving enough for retirement' as a regret. The percentage of people with this regret grows with age as retirement draws closer."
Here's the thing most retirement content won't say out loud:
Feeling behind isn't just uncomfortable — it can become self-reinforcing. Research from Cornell University found that people experiencing anxiety and depression are nearly 25% less likely to have a retirement savings account at all, and their retirement savings share can be up to 67% lower. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that financial anxiety triggers avoidance — the most anxious people are less likely to seek planning help, not more.
That's the cycle this article is designed to break. The data ahead isn't meant to scare you. It's meant to give you an honest baseline — one built on medians instead of misleading averages — so you can make decisions from clarity, not panic.
If you feel ashamed of your retirement savings amount, or feel the comparison pressure of seeing friends and coworkers talk about their 401(k) balances, you're not alone — and the comparison itself may be misleading. Most people only share good news about money, which makes comparing savings to friends an unreliable benchmark. The median tells a very different story than what shows up in casual conversation.
And some of the reason you feel behind has nothing to do with your choices. Twenty-eight percent of private industry workers — roughly 35.6 million people — don't have access to any employer-sponsored retirement plan, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Among workers at firms with fewer than 100 employees, 41% lack access. Being "behind" often starts with a system that never gave you a starting line.
So where do you actually stand? Let's look at the numbers that matter.
See where you actually stand with the Retirement Gap Analyzer — median benchmarks, not inflated averages. Free, no account required.
Retirement savings benchmarks: average vs. median (the numbers that actually matter)
Every retirement article you've read probably used the word "average." Here's why that's a problem — and why a real retirement savings by age comparison requires looking at an entirely different number.
The "average" is pulled dramatically higher by a small number of very wealthy accounts. The median — the actual midpoint where half of savers are above and half below — tells a completely different story. According to Vanguard's "How America Saves 2025" report, based on roughly 5 million participants with year-end 2024 data:
Age bracket | Average 401(k) | Median 401(k) | Avg-to-median ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
Under 25 | $6,899 | $1,948 | 3.5x |
25–34 | $37,557 | $14,933 | 2.5x |
35–44 | $91,281 | $37,870 | 2.4x |
45–54 | $168,474 | $60,763 | 2.8x |
55–64 | $271,320 | $83,984 | 3.2x |
65+ | $299,442 | $95,425 | 3.1x |
All ages | $148,153 | $38,176 | 3.9x |
Nearly three-quarters of the "gap" between you and the average is a statistical illusion created by high-balance outliers. The overall average ($148,153) is 3.9 times the median ($38,176). When someone reads that the "average American" aged 55–64 has $271,320 saved, they're comparing themselves against a number inflated 69% above the midpoint. The actual midpoint saver at that age has $83,984.
And here's the detail that changes the picture even more:
These are single Vanguard 401(k) account balances — not total household retirement savings. Many people have multiple accounts. The Federal Reserve's SCF provides household-level data showing median combined 401(k)/IRA balances of roughly $204,000 for near-retirement households who have plans, per the Center for Retirement Research. That's a more complete picture — and a more achievable target.
How the major benchmarks compare
Different firms set very different targets, and it's worth understanding why:
Source | Target at age 50 | Target at retirement | Key assumption |
|---|---|---|---|
6x salary | 10x salary by 67 | 15% savings rate from day one | |
Income-dependent ($120K–$620K at 40) | 7.5x–13.5x salary | 15% pre-tax; retirement at 65 | |
5x salary | 11x ending salary | Graduated: start at 6%, ramp to 15% | |
Vanguard median (actual) | $60,763 | $83,984 (55–64) | What Americans actually have |
CRR median (households w/ plans) | — | ~$204,000 | Median combined 401(k)/IRA |
Fidelity's 10x rule assumes a 15% savings rate sustained for an entire career. The national personal savings rate is 3.5% as of November 2025, per the Bureau of Economic Analysis via FRED. T. Rowe Price's graduated approach — starting at 6% and ramping up — is more realistic but still assumes consistent increases most workers don't make.
The key insight: these targets are planning tools, not pass/fail grades. They're built on assumptions — a 15% savings rate sustained over a full career — that most households don't meet. The median tells you where Americans actually are, which can be a more useful starting point than a target designed for an ideal scenario.
Fidelity's Q3 2025 report — covering 24.8 million participants — found an average 401(k) balance of $144,400, closely tracking Vanguard's $148,153. Two independent datasets covering tens of millions of accounts point to the same conclusion.
Retirement Gap Analyzer
Before diving into strategies, it helps to know your actual gap — measured against median benchmarks, not aspirational targets that may not reflect your situation.
Most retirement calculators — including the typical "am I on track?" retirement quiz — ask a few inputs and produce a target number based on assumptions that vary significantly from one tool to the next. The Gap Analyzer takes a different approach: it shows you where you stand relative to three different benchmarks — the national median, the Fidelity industry standard, and a personalized target based on your actual expenses — so you can decide which one matters for your life.
What makes this calculator different
Many retirement calculators — from Fidelity, Empower, NerdWallet, and others — are designed to give you a quick estimate and then connect you with services that can help, including financial advisors. That's a reasonable business model, and for many people, connecting with an advisor is exactly the right next step. The difference with the Retirement Gap Analyzer is that it stops at the number: no advisory pipeline, no product recommendations, no referral revenue. It shows you where you stand and lets you decide what to do next — whether that's working with an advisor, adjusting your savings rate, or simply understanding your position more clearly.
Key inputs that shape your retirement picture
2026 contribution limits (IRS Notice 2025-67):
Account type | Standard limit | Catch-up (50+) | Super catch-up (60–63) | Max possible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
401(k) | $24,500 | +$8,000 | +$11,250 | $35,750 |
IRA | $7,500 | +$1,100 | — | $8,600 |
Congress specifically created enhanced catch-up contributions for workers ages 60–63 through SECURE 2.0 because they recognized that millions of Americans need additional tools to close their retirement savings gap. The $11,250 super catch-up — the highest catch-up limit ever — is a direct legislative acknowledgment that being behind is normal, not a personal failure.
Note: Workers earning over $150,000 in FICA wages (the portion of earnings subject to Social Security tax) must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis starting in 2026.
Beyond traditional 401(k) and IRA accounts, some workers also use an HSA as a stealth retirement account — contributing the 2026 family maximum of $8,550 with triple tax advantages (tax-free in, tax-free growth, tax-free out for medical expenses). Higher earners with access to after-tax 401(k) contributions may also explore the mega backdoor Roth strategy as a catch-up vehicle, though the rules are complex and a financial professional can help evaluate whether it fits your situation. For those carrying significant debt, the question of whether to prioritize debt payoff vs. investing for retirement depends on interest rates, employer match, and timeline — there's no universal answer, but the employer match is almost always worth capturing first.
What the calculator shows you
The Gap Analyzer produces eight outputs from eight inputs: your savings gap against median benchmarks, the monthly savings rate needed to close it, the impact of working one additional year, your fee drag estimate, catch-up contribution capacity, a Social Security income estimate, a total retirement income projection, and a personalized action priority showing which single change has the biggest impact for your situation. It also functions as a retirement savings rate calculator — showing you the exact percentage of income you'd need to save based on your current age and balance.
A comprehensive retirement assessment also looks beyond savings balance alone. Your Truthifi Score evaluates 100+ diagnostic factors — including fee exposure, asset allocation, and risk alignment — to provide a fuller picture of retirement readiness than a single savings number can offer. For a complete picture beyond just savings, check your full retirement readiness score across income, fees, healthcare, and spending dimensions.
The smartest money move you can make? Run a wellness check.
Truthifi® tests your finances for 100+ risks and opportunities—automatically. Unlock plain-English insights that drive smarter financial decisions today.
The smartest money move you can make? Run a wellness check.
Truthifi® tests your finances for 100+ risks and opportunities—automatically. Unlock plain-English insights that drive smarter financial decisions today.
The smartest money move you can make? Run a wellness check.
Truthifi® tests your finances for 100+ risks and opportunities—automatically.
Catch-up strategies by age: realistic recovery plans
Here's where the math gets encouraging.
Using median-based targets instead of Fidelity's 10x-salary rule, the required monthly savings at each age is far more achievable than most calculators suggest. This analysis uses the Center for Retirement Research's finding that median combined 401(k)/IRA balances for near-retirement households with plans was approximately $204,000 (2022 SCF), with a 7% average annual return assumption based on historical equity market performance (actual results will vary):
Current age | Years to 65 | Current median 401(k) | Gap to $204K target | Required monthly savings | As % of median income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25 | 40 | $1,948 | $202,052 | $76 | 1.8% |
35 | 30 | $37,870 | $166,130 | $148 | 2.4% |
40 | 25 | $37,870 | $166,130 | $209 | 3.4% |
45 | 20 | $60,763 | $143,237 | $275 | 3.9% |
50 | 15 | $60,763 | $143,237 | $452 | 5.7% |
55 | 10 | $83,984 | $120,016 | $694 | 11.1% |
60 | 5 | $83,984 | $120,016 | $1,683 | 26.9% |
A 45-year-old needs to save $275 per month — 3.9% of median income — to reach the median nearing-retirement balance by 65. That replaces the anxiety-inducing "save 15% of income" with a number most households can work toward. Even at 55, $694 per month (11.1% of income) is steep but feasible. Only at 60 does the required rate become genuinely difficult — which is exactly why Congress created the super catch-up.
This is a modest, median-based target. Fidelity's 10x rule for someone earning the median income of $83,700 would require $837,000 — a 4.1x higher target. Both frameworks have value: the median shows where Americans actually are, while the Fidelity benchmark shows what a full-career savings plan can produce. Which one is the right target for you depends on your starting point, your timeline, and whether you're working with a financial professional who can help calibrate a plan to your specific situation.
The most powerful catch-up strategy: one more year
This is the number that surprises most people:
Working one additional year before retirement provides a triple benefit that most calculators don't break down. For a 62-year-old with $500,000 contributing $1,500/month at 7% returns:
Lever | What happens | Annual value |
|---|---|---|
1. Additional contributions | 12 more months of saving | $18,630 |
2. Portfolio growth | One more year of compound returns on $500K | $35,000 |
3. Withdrawals avoided | 12 months of retirement spending preserved | $36,000 |
Combined value | $89,630 |
One extra year adds approximately $89,630 in combined value — equivalent to 5x the person's actual monthly contribution rate. Working one more year is the single most effective catch-up strategy, and it doesn't require saving a penny more. The "three-lever" effect scales with portfolio size: for a $200,000 portfolio, one year still adds $50,420; for $1 million, it's $154,840.
Don't leave the match on the table
The average employer 401(k) match is 4.6% of salary (median: 4.0%), per Vanguard's 2025 data. If your employer matches 4.6%, contributing just 6% of your salary means 10.6% is going toward retirement automatically. Among participants, the average total savings rate (employee plus employer) reached a record 14.3% in Q1 2025, per Fidelity — close to the recommended 15%.
Good advisors help clients build realistic catch-up plans using these levers — not generic "save more" guidance. The best advisors welcome clients who arrive with honest data about where they stand. A financial professional who helps you sequence contributions, maximize employer matching, and time catch-up strategies can deliver value well beyond their fee — particularly during the critical decade before retirement.
See your complete retirement picture in one view with Truthifi's Dashboard. No scattered logins, no guesswork — just your numbers, consolidated.
The hidden barrier: how advisory fees slow your catch-up
Here's where it gets interesting — and where being informed makes the biggest difference:
Understanding your advisory fees is part of understanding your retirement picture — but fee cost is only one side of the equation. The value of the advice, the services bundled into that fee, and the outcomes they produce are the other side. What matters is whether the full equation works in your favor, and whether you can see all the variables clearly.
The average AUM (assets under management) fee for financial advisors is approximately 1.0–1.05% for portfolios under $1 million, according to Kitces Research 2024, based on a survey of 600+ advisors. Ninety-two percent of advisors incorporate AUM fees. Robo-advisors charge 0.25–0.50%.
That percentage translates to meaningful dollars over long time horizons — which is exactly why it's worth understanding what it pays for.
For context, Vanguard's Advisor's Alpha research estimates that a comprehensive advisory relationship can add approximately 3% in net annual value — with behavioral coaching alone contributing up to 1.5% in net returns by keeping investors in the market through downturns. Russell Investments' research similarly estimates the total value of financial advice at approximately 3.54% annually across rebalancing (0.28%), behavioral coaching (1.43%), financial planning (1.13%), and tax management (0.68%). When advisors deliver these services, the 1% fee is paying for value that research suggests exceeds the cost. The question is whether you're receiving that full suite — and whether you can see the equation clearly.
Here's what the compound math looks like across different fee levels. A 1% annual advisory fee on a $500,000 portfolio over 20 years with $1,500/month contributions results in approximately $195,000 in compound fee impact compared to a zero-fee scenario — and roughly $144,000 compared to a 0.25% robo-advisor fee (assumes 7% gross annual return; actual results will vary).
But these numbers only tell half the story. A zero-fee scenario also means zero professional guidance — no behavioral coaching during downturns, no tax optimization, no coordinated retirement planning. The compound cost of not having those services can far exceed the fee itself. The real question isn't "how much does advice cost?" It's "what would it cost me to go without it?"
Fee rate | Net return | Ending balance (20 years) | Difference vs. 0% | Difference vs. 0.25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00% | 7.00% | $2,716,880 | — | +$50,937 |
0.25% | 6.75% | $2,665,943 | -$50,937 | — |
0.50% | 6.50% | $2,616,454 | -$100,426 | -$49,489 |
1.00% | 6.00% | $2,521,686 | -$195,194 | -$144,257 |
1.50% | 5.50% | $2,432,310 | -$284,570 | -$233,633 |
The bottom line: fees matter — but so does what they buy. An advisor who delivers comprehensive planning, tax-loss harvesting, and behavioral coaching through market volatility may be worth every basis point. An advisor who provides only basic portfolio management at the same rate may not. The fee is the same; the value equation is completely different. Truthifi helps you see both sides.
What comprehensive advice is worth
Value component | Estimated annual value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Behavioral coaching (staying invested through downturns) | +1.5% | Vanguard Advisor's Alpha |
Financial planning (goals, cash flow, retirement) | +1.13% | Russell Investments |
Tax management (tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions) | +0.68% | Russell Investments |
Rebalancing (maintaining target allocation) | +0.28% | Russell Investments |
Total estimated value of comprehensive advice | +3.0–3.54% | Vanguard / Russell |
Typical advisory fee | –1.0% | Kitces Research 2024 |
Net value (when advice is comprehensive) | +2.0–2.54% | Combined |
So where does this leave you? In a position to make better decisions — if you can see the full picture.
Fee information is spread across account statements, fund prospectuses, and advisory agreements — documents that weren't designed to be read together. That's not a flaw in any one advisor's practice; it's simply how financial services infrastructure evolved. The result is that consolidating your total fee picture takes effort — effort that tools like Truthifi are specifically built to handle.
And the visibility challenge is real on all sides. According to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 21% of investors believe they pay no investment fees at all (up from 14% in 2018), and 17% don't know how much they pay.That's not because anyone is hiding the information — it's because fee details are spread across multiple documents and platforms in a way that makes the total picture genuinely hard to assemble.
Truthifi's Fee X-Ray reveals the total cost across all your accounts — not to replace your advisor, but to give both of you a clearer picture. The best advisory relationships are built on shared information, and many advisors actively welcome clients who arrive with a complete view of their finances. You can also calculate how much your advisory fee affects catch-up progress over your full investing lifetime.
What real people are saying about being behind
The anxiety around retirement savings isn't just a number on a survey — it's something people carry every day.
It shows up in online communities every day — threads asking "am I too late?" populate Reddit's personal finance forums weekly, and the answers range from reassuring to terrifying depending on who responds.
As one poster in the r/personalfinance community put it: "I'm 47 and have barely $30,000 in my 401(k). Every calculator tells me I need $1.5 million. How is that even possible?" That sentiment — comparing a real balance against an aspirational target and feeling crushed by the distance — is one of the most common themes on Reddit, Bogleheads, and personal finance forums. The underlying question is always the same: how far behind am I, really?
The data shows this person is actually closer to normal than they think. The median 401(k) at 45–54 is $60,763. Having $30,000 puts them below the median — but not catastrophically so. And $1.5 million as a "need" comes from the 10x-salary benchmark — a planning target that assumes a full career of 15% savings, not a reflection of what retirees actually live on.
Northwestern Mutual's 2025 study found that Americans believe they need a median of $1.26 million to retire comfortably (down from $1.46 million in 2024). Among Gen X, 52% have three times their annual income or less saved, and 54% believe they will not be financially prepared.
Meanwhile, 58% of Gen X workers are approaching retirement without a financial advisor, according to Cerulli Associates data reported by Yahoo Finance. Among those, 32% say fees aren't worth it and 29% don't know how to find a good advisor. That's a significant gap — research consistently shows that investors who work with a financial professional tend to save more consistently, make fewer behavioral mistakes during volatility, and feel more confident about their plan. The challenge isn't whether advice has value; it's making that value visible.
Inflation is compounding the pressure. Allianz Life's Q4 2024 survey found that 51% of Americans have stopped or reduced retirement savings contributions due to inflation.
The structural barriers run deeper than personal choices. Retirement account ownership varies dramatically by race: 61.8% of White non-Hispanic Americans hold retirement accounts compared to 34.8% of Black families and 27.5% of Hispanic families, per the Federal Reserve's 2022 SCF. These aren't just savings gaps — they're access gaps and generational wealth gaps that compound over decades.
For context, the average Social Security retirement benefit in January 2026 was $2,071 per month ($24,852 per year), following a 2.8% COLA. Fifty-two percent of non-retired Americans expect to rely on Social Security for necessary expenses in retirement — and among current retirees, 78% already do.
These numbers aren't meant to alarm. They show that if you feel behind, you're part of a very large, very normal group dealing with a system that was never designed to make retirement saving easy. The question isn't "why haven't I saved more?" It's "what can I do from here?"
That's the only question that matters now. And the answer starts with seeing your full picture clearly.
FAQ: Behind on retirement savings
Am I behind on retirement savings?
You're likely not as far behind as you think. The "average" figures are inflated by high-balance outliers — the median 401(k) at ages 55–64 is $83,984, not the $271,320 average (Vanguard 2025). Nearly half of American households (45.7%) have zero dedicated retirement savings. If you're saving anything, you're ahead of a significant portion of the country.
How much should I have saved by age 40?
Fidelity suggests 3x salary by 40 — about $220,500 for median-income earners. Reality: the median 401(k) at 35–44 is $37,870 (Vanguard 2025). If you have that, you're at the midpoint of American savers. Many financial professionals recommend maximizing your employer match (average 4.6%) and increasing contributions 1–2% per year as a starting point.
How much should I have saved by age 50?
Fidelity's guideline is 6x salary, or roughly $502,200 for median earners. Actual median 401(k) at 45–54: $60,763. Workers 50 and older can take advantage of catch-up contributions ($8,000 extra per year) and SECURE 2.0's super catch-up ($11,250 per year for ages 60–63) to accelerate their savings.
Is it too late to start saving at 50?
No. Saving $1,500 per month at 7% return accumulates approximately $454,000 by age 65 — before employer match. With catch-up contributions, you can put $32,500 per year into a 401(k). Working one extra year at 62 with $500,000 adds roughly $89,630 in combined value across three levers (new savings, portfolio growth, and avoided withdrawals).
What is the average 401(k) balance by age?
Per Vanguard's 2025 report (year-end 2024 data): Ages 25–34: $37,557 average / $14,933 median. Ages 35–44: $91,281 / $37,870. Ages 45–54: $168,474 / $60,763. Ages 55–64: $271,320 / $83,984. Ages 65+: $299,442 / $95,425. The median is 2.4x to 3.9x lower than the average at every age bracket.
What are catch-up contributions for 2026?
401(k) catch-up (age 50+): extra $8,000, for a total of $32,500. SECURE 2.0 super catch-up (ages 60–63): extra $11,250, for a total of $35,750. IRA catch-up: extra $1,100, for a total of $8,600. Note: earners over $150,000 must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis starting in 2026 (IRS Notice 2025-67).
I've never saved for retirement — what should I do?
Many financial professionals recommend starting with the employer match — the average is 4.6% of salary, and it's effectively an instant 50–100% return on your contribution. Workers 50+ may want to explore catch-up contribution limits. A Roth IRA ($8,600 maximum in 2026 with catch-up) is another vehicle many late starters explore. Even starting at 50 with $1,500 per month builds approximately $454,000 by 65. The most important step is the first one.
Is $1 million enough to retire?
The 4% safe withdrawal rate, established by financial planner William Bengen in a 1994 study, says $1 million generates approximately $40,000 per year. Add average Social Security ($24,852 per year) and you're at about $65,000 total annual income. Whether that's "enough" depends on your expenses and location. The median retiree has far less — median net worth at ages 65–74 is $409,900, including home equity.
What's the difference between average and median retirement savings?
The average is pulled up dramatically by a few very high-balance accounts. The median is the true midpoint — half above, half below. For 401(k)s nationally, the average ($148,153) is 3.9x the median ($38,176). Headlines using "average" almost always overstate what the typical American has saved.
How much should I save per month for retirement?
Using median-based targets: a 35-year-old needs approximately $148 per month; a 45-year-old approximately $275 per month; a 55-year-old approximately $694 per month to reach median near-retirement balances (assumes 7% annual return). These are far more realistic than the "15% of income" guideline when the national savings rate is just 3.5%.
Should I pay off my house or save for retirement?
Many planners suggest capturing the full employer match first — that's an instant return no mortgage payoff can match. From there, comparing your mortgage rate to expected investment returns can help clarify the tradeoff. Below a 5–6% mortgage rate, historical data suggests investing has generally outperformed prepayment over the long term. A paid-off home does reduce retirement expenses significantly. There's no single right answer — it depends on your rate, timeline, and risk tolerance.
What is the retirement savings gender and racial gap?
Women face structural disadvantages: lower average earnings (82 cents per dollar), career interruptions for caregiving, and longer life expectancy requiring more total savings. Retirement account access also varies by race: 61.8% of White non-Hispanic Americans hold retirement accounts compared to 34.8% of Black families and 27.5% of Hispanic families (Federal Reserve SCF 2022). These are systemic access and income gaps, not personal savings failures.
You already did the hardest part — looking honestly at your numbers. Now see what your portfolio is really doing with 100+ diagnostic checks. Free, no credit card required.
Read next from the Truthifi blog
Will my savings last through retirement? — Now that you know your gap, calculate whether what you have will last through your retirement years.
Why that retirement calculator scared you (and why its number might be wrong) — If other calculators gave you a terrifying number, here's why their assumptions may not apply to your situation.
Protecting your investments as retirement approaches — For readers 55+: strategies to protect what you've built as you get closer to drawing on it.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or retirement planning advice. All statistics are sourced from publicly available research and government data as cited. Original calculations use assumptions stated in the text — actual results will vary based on individual circumstances, market performance, and other factors. Truthifi is an investment monitoring platform; it does not provide investment advice, manage assets, or sell financial products. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Catch-up strategies by age: realistic recovery plans
Here's where the math gets encouraging.
Using median-based targets instead of Fidelity's 10x-salary rule, the required monthly savings at each age is far more achievable than most calculators suggest. This analysis uses the Center for Retirement Research's finding that median combined 401(k)/IRA balances for near-retirement households with plans was approximately $204,000 (2022 SCF), with a 7% average annual return assumption based on historical equity market performance (actual results will vary):
Current age | Years to 65 | Current median 401(k) | Gap to $204K target | Required monthly savings | As % of median income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
25 | 40 | $1,948 | $202,052 | $76 | 1.8% |
35 | 30 | $37,870 | $166,130 | $148 | 2.4% |
40 | 25 | $37,870 | $166,130 | $209 | 3.4% |
45 | 20 | $60,763 | $143,237 | $275 | 3.9% |
50 | 15 | $60,763 | $143,237 | $452 | 5.7% |
55 | 10 | $83,984 | $120,016 | $694 | 11.1% |
60 | 5 | $83,984 | $120,016 | $1,683 | 26.9% |
A 45-year-old needs to save $275 per month — 3.9% of median income — to reach the median nearing-retirement balance by 65. That replaces the anxiety-inducing "save 15% of income" with a number most households can work toward. Even at 55, $694 per month (11.1% of income) is steep but feasible. Only at 60 does the required rate become genuinely difficult — which is exactly why Congress created the super catch-up.
This is a modest, median-based target. Fidelity's 10x rule for someone earning the median income of $83,700 would require $837,000 — a 4.1x higher target. Both frameworks have value: the median shows where Americans actually are, while the Fidelity benchmark shows what a full-career savings plan can produce. Which one is the right target for you depends on your starting point, your timeline, and whether you're working with a financial professional who can help calibrate a plan to your specific situation.
The most powerful catch-up strategy: one more year
This is the number that surprises most people:
Working one additional year before retirement provides a triple benefit that most calculators don't break down. For a 62-year-old with $500,000 contributing $1,500/month at 7% returns:
Lever | What happens | Annual value |
|---|---|---|
1. Additional contributions | 12 more months of saving | $18,630 |
2. Portfolio growth | One more year of compound returns on $500K | $35,000 |
3. Withdrawals avoided | 12 months of retirement spending preserved | $36,000 |
Combined value | $89,630 |
One extra year adds approximately $89,630 in combined value — equivalent to 5x the person's actual monthly contribution rate. Working one more year is the single most effective catch-up strategy, and it doesn't require saving a penny more. The "three-lever" effect scales with portfolio size: for a $200,000 portfolio, one year still adds $50,420; for $1 million, it's $154,840.
Don't leave the match on the table
The average employer 401(k) match is 4.6% of salary (median: 4.0%), per Vanguard's 2025 data. If your employer matches 4.6%, contributing just 6% of your salary means 10.6% is going toward retirement automatically. Among participants, the average total savings rate (employee plus employer) reached a record 14.3% in Q1 2025, per Fidelity — close to the recommended 15%.
Good advisors help clients build realistic catch-up plans using these levers — not generic "save more" guidance. The best advisors welcome clients who arrive with honest data about where they stand. A financial professional who helps you sequence contributions, maximize employer matching, and time catch-up strategies can deliver value well beyond their fee — particularly during the critical decade before retirement.
See your complete retirement picture in one view with Truthifi's Dashboard. No scattered logins, no guesswork — just your numbers, consolidated.
The hidden barrier: how advisory fees slow your catch-up
Here's where it gets interesting — and where being informed makes the biggest difference:
Understanding your advisory fees is part of understanding your retirement picture — but fee cost is only one side of the equation. The value of the advice, the services bundled into that fee, and the outcomes they produce are the other side. What matters is whether the full equation works in your favor, and whether you can see all the variables clearly.
The average AUM (assets under management) fee for financial advisors is approximately 1.0–1.05% for portfolios under $1 million, according to Kitces Research 2024, based on a survey of 600+ advisors. Ninety-two percent of advisors incorporate AUM fees. Robo-advisors charge 0.25–0.50%.
That percentage translates to meaningful dollars over long time horizons — which is exactly why it's worth understanding what it pays for.
For context, Vanguard's Advisor's Alpha research estimates that a comprehensive advisory relationship can add approximately 3% in net annual value — with behavioral coaching alone contributing up to 1.5% in net returns by keeping investors in the market through downturns. Russell Investments' research similarly estimates the total value of financial advice at approximately 3.54% annually across rebalancing (0.28%), behavioral coaching (1.43%), financial planning (1.13%), and tax management (0.68%). When advisors deliver these services, the 1% fee is paying for value that research suggests exceeds the cost. The question is whether you're receiving that full suite — and whether you can see the equation clearly.
Here's what the compound math looks like across different fee levels. A 1% annual advisory fee on a $500,000 portfolio over 20 years with $1,500/month contributions results in approximately $195,000 in compound fee impact compared to a zero-fee scenario — and roughly $144,000 compared to a 0.25% robo-advisor fee (assumes 7% gross annual return; actual results will vary).
But these numbers only tell half the story. A zero-fee scenario also means zero professional guidance — no behavioral coaching during downturns, no tax optimization, no coordinated retirement planning. The compound cost of not having those services can far exceed the fee itself. The real question isn't "how much does advice cost?" It's "what would it cost me to go without it?"
Fee rate | Net return | Ending balance (20 years) | Difference vs. 0% | Difference vs. 0.25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00% | 7.00% | $2,716,880 | — | +$50,937 |
0.25% | 6.75% | $2,665,943 | -$50,937 | — |
0.50% | 6.50% | $2,616,454 | -$100,426 | -$49,489 |
1.00% | 6.00% | $2,521,686 | -$195,194 | -$144,257 |
1.50% | 5.50% | $2,432,310 | -$284,570 | -$233,633 |
The bottom line: fees matter — but so does what they buy. An advisor who delivers comprehensive planning, tax-loss harvesting, and behavioral coaching through market volatility may be worth every basis point. An advisor who provides only basic portfolio management at the same rate may not. The fee is the same; the value equation is completely different. Truthifi helps you see both sides.
What comprehensive advice is worth
Value component | Estimated annual value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Behavioral coaching (staying invested through downturns) | +1.5% | Vanguard Advisor's Alpha |
Financial planning (goals, cash flow, retirement) | +1.13% | Russell Investments |
Tax management (tax-loss harvesting, Roth conversions) | +0.68% | Russell Investments |
Rebalancing (maintaining target allocation) | +0.28% | Russell Investments |
Total estimated value of comprehensive advice | +3.0–3.54% | Vanguard / Russell |
Typical advisory fee | –1.0% | Kitces Research 2024 |
Net value (when advice is comprehensive) | +2.0–2.54% | Combined |
So where does this leave you? In a position to make better decisions — if you can see the full picture.
Fee information is spread across account statements, fund prospectuses, and advisory agreements — documents that weren't designed to be read together. That's not a flaw in any one advisor's practice; it's simply how financial services infrastructure evolved. The result is that consolidating your total fee picture takes effort — effort that tools like Truthifi are specifically built to handle.
And the visibility challenge is real on all sides. According to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 21% of investors believe they pay no investment fees at all (up from 14% in 2018), and 17% don't know how much they pay.That's not because anyone is hiding the information — it's because fee details are spread across multiple documents and platforms in a way that makes the total picture genuinely hard to assemble.
Truthifi's Fee X-Ray reveals the total cost across all your accounts — not to replace your advisor, but to give both of you a clearer picture. The best advisory relationships are built on shared information, and many advisors actively welcome clients who arrive with a complete view of their finances. You can also calculate how much your advisory fee affects catch-up progress over your full investing lifetime.
What real people are saying about being behind
The anxiety around retirement savings isn't just a number on a survey — it's something people carry every day.
It shows up in online communities every day — threads asking "am I too late?" populate Reddit's personal finance forums weekly, and the answers range from reassuring to terrifying depending on who responds.
As one poster in the r/personalfinance community put it: "I'm 47 and have barely $30,000 in my 401(k). Every calculator tells me I need $1.5 million. How is that even possible?" That sentiment — comparing a real balance against an aspirational target and feeling crushed by the distance — is one of the most common themes on Reddit, Bogleheads, and personal finance forums. The underlying question is always the same: how far behind am I, really?
The data shows this person is actually closer to normal than they think. The median 401(k) at 45–54 is $60,763. Having $30,000 puts them below the median — but not catastrophically so. And $1.5 million as a "need" comes from the 10x-salary benchmark — a planning target that assumes a full career of 15% savings, not a reflection of what retirees actually live on.
Northwestern Mutual's 2025 study found that Americans believe they need a median of $1.26 million to retire comfortably (down from $1.46 million in 2024). Among Gen X, 52% have three times their annual income or less saved, and 54% believe they will not be financially prepared.
Meanwhile, 58% of Gen X workers are approaching retirement without a financial advisor, according to Cerulli Associates data reported by Yahoo Finance. Among those, 32% say fees aren't worth it and 29% don't know how to find a good advisor. That's a significant gap — research consistently shows that investors who work with a financial professional tend to save more consistently, make fewer behavioral mistakes during volatility, and feel more confident about their plan. The challenge isn't whether advice has value; it's making that value visible.
Inflation is compounding the pressure. Allianz Life's Q4 2024 survey found that 51% of Americans have stopped or reduced retirement savings contributions due to inflation.
The structural barriers run deeper than personal choices. Retirement account ownership varies dramatically by race: 61.8% of White non-Hispanic Americans hold retirement accounts compared to 34.8% of Black families and 27.5% of Hispanic families, per the Federal Reserve's 2022 SCF. These aren't just savings gaps — they're access gaps and generational wealth gaps that compound over decades.
For context, the average Social Security retirement benefit in January 2026 was $2,071 per month ($24,852 per year), following a 2.8% COLA. Fifty-two percent of non-retired Americans expect to rely on Social Security for necessary expenses in retirement — and among current retirees, 78% already do.
These numbers aren't meant to alarm. They show that if you feel behind, you're part of a very large, very normal group dealing with a system that was never designed to make retirement saving easy. The question isn't "why haven't I saved more?" It's "what can I do from here?"
That's the only question that matters now. And the answer starts with seeing your full picture clearly.
FAQ: Behind on retirement savings
Am I behind on retirement savings?
You're likely not as far behind as you think. The "average" figures are inflated by high-balance outliers — the median 401(k) at ages 55–64 is $83,984, not the $271,320 average (Vanguard 2025). Nearly half of American households (45.7%) have zero dedicated retirement savings. If you're saving anything, you're ahead of a significant portion of the country.
How much should I have saved by age 40?
Fidelity suggests 3x salary by 40 — about $220,500 for median-income earners. Reality: the median 401(k) at 35–44 is $37,870 (Vanguard 2025). If you have that, you're at the midpoint of American savers. Many financial professionals recommend maximizing your employer match (average 4.6%) and increasing contributions 1–2% per year as a starting point.
How much should I have saved by age 50?
Fidelity's guideline is 6x salary, or roughly $502,200 for median earners. Actual median 401(k) at 45–54: $60,763. Workers 50 and older can take advantage of catch-up contributions ($8,000 extra per year) and SECURE 2.0's super catch-up ($11,250 per year for ages 60–63) to accelerate their savings.
Is it too late to start saving at 50?
No. Saving $1,500 per month at 7% return accumulates approximately $454,000 by age 65 — before employer match. With catch-up contributions, you can put $32,500 per year into a 401(k). Working one extra year at 62 with $500,000 adds roughly $89,630 in combined value across three levers (new savings, portfolio growth, and avoided withdrawals).
What is the average 401(k) balance by age?
Per Vanguard's 2025 report (year-end 2024 data): Ages 25–34: $37,557 average / $14,933 median. Ages 35–44: $91,281 / $37,870. Ages 45–54: $168,474 / $60,763. Ages 55–64: $271,320 / $83,984. Ages 65+: $299,442 / $95,425. The median is 2.4x to 3.9x lower than the average at every age bracket.
What are catch-up contributions for 2026?
401(k) catch-up (age 50+): extra $8,000, for a total of $32,500. SECURE 2.0 super catch-up (ages 60–63): extra $11,250, for a total of $35,750. IRA catch-up: extra $1,100, for a total of $8,600. Note: earners over $150,000 must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis starting in 2026 (IRS Notice 2025-67).
I've never saved for retirement — what should I do?
Many financial professionals recommend starting with the employer match — the average is 4.6% of salary, and it's effectively an instant 50–100% return on your contribution. Workers 50+ may want to explore catch-up contribution limits. A Roth IRA ($8,600 maximum in 2026 with catch-up) is another vehicle many late starters explore. Even starting at 50 with $1,500 per month builds approximately $454,000 by 65. The most important step is the first one.
Is $1 million enough to retire?
The 4% safe withdrawal rate, established by financial planner William Bengen in a 1994 study, says $1 million generates approximately $40,000 per year. Add average Social Security ($24,852 per year) and you're at about $65,000 total annual income. Whether that's "enough" depends on your expenses and location. The median retiree has far less — median net worth at ages 65–74 is $409,900, including home equity.
What's the difference between average and median retirement savings?
The average is pulled up dramatically by a few very high-balance accounts. The median is the true midpoint — half above, half below. For 401(k)s nationally, the average ($148,153) is 3.9x the median ($38,176). Headlines using "average" almost always overstate what the typical American has saved.
How much should I save per month for retirement?
Using median-based targets: a 35-year-old needs approximately $148 per month; a 45-year-old approximately $275 per month; a 55-year-old approximately $694 per month to reach median near-retirement balances (assumes 7% annual return). These are far more realistic than the "15% of income" guideline when the national savings rate is just 3.5%.
Should I pay off my house or save for retirement?
Many planners suggest capturing the full employer match first — that's an instant return no mortgage payoff can match. From there, comparing your mortgage rate to expected investment returns can help clarify the tradeoff. Below a 5–6% mortgage rate, historical data suggests investing has generally outperformed prepayment over the long term. A paid-off home does reduce retirement expenses significantly. There's no single right answer — it depends on your rate, timeline, and risk tolerance.
What is the retirement savings gender and racial gap?
Women face structural disadvantages: lower average earnings (82 cents per dollar), career interruptions for caregiving, and longer life expectancy requiring more total savings. Retirement account access also varies by race: 61.8% of White non-Hispanic Americans hold retirement accounts compared to 34.8% of Black families and 27.5% of Hispanic families (Federal Reserve SCF 2022). These are systemic access and income gaps, not personal savings failures.
You already did the hardest part — looking honestly at your numbers. Now see what your portfolio is really doing with 100+ diagnostic checks. Free, no credit card required.
Read next from the Truthifi blog
Will my savings last through retirement? — Now that you know your gap, calculate whether what you have will last through your retirement years.
Why that retirement calculator scared you (and why its number might be wrong) — If other calculators gave you a terrifying number, here's why their assumptions may not apply to your situation.
Protecting your investments as retirement approaches — For readers 55+: strategies to protect what you've built as you get closer to drawing on it.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or retirement planning advice. All statistics are sourced from publicly available research and government data as cited. Original calculations use assumptions stated in the text — actual results will vary based on individual circumstances, market performance, and other factors. Truthifi is an investment monitoring platform; it does not provide investment advice, manage assets, or sell financial products. Consult a qualified financial professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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