Ever wondered about others’ retirement savings?
Most Americans in their 50s seem to be falling short of having enough in their retirement accounts for a comfortable retirement, according to Fidelity.
Fidelity suggests that by age 50, you should have saved at least six times your annual salary to start enjoying retirement. By age 55, that figure should be seven times your annual salary. The average 401K balance for those in their 50s ranges around $174,100, with individuals in this age bracket typically setting aside 10.1% of their pay towards their 401K. Employers, on the other hand, typically match around 5.1%, making the total contribution 15.2% of each paycheck.
Breaking it down by age, young Americans are beginning to save through their 401K plans, but usually fall short of expert recommendations. Here’s a breakdown of the average 401K balance and contributions by age group:
20 to 29: $11,800; 7% of each paycheck
30 to 39: $42,400; 7.8% of each paycheck
40 to 49: $102,700; 8.5% of each paycheck
50 to 59: $174,100; 10.1% of each paycheck
60 to 69: $195,500; 11.2% of each paycheck
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much you should save for retirement, it is evident that many people in their 60s may not have enough saved up. Fidelity recommends setting aside 15% of your income, including both your contributions and your employer’s. Particularly for those in their 50s, it’s advisable to take advantage of peak earning years and increase contributions wherever possible. If you’re unable to meet these targets currently, gradually increasing your contributions is a worthwhile strategy. By age 67, aim to have saved at least 10 times your salary for a comfortable retirement.