Most People Think They Need $1.8 Million to Retire. Do You?

The majority of Americans believe they need $1.8M to retire comfortably, according to the 2024 401(k) Participant Study by Charles Schwab. While that's unchanged from 2023, it is up from $1.7M in 2022. 

For many people, that figure feels out of reach as inflation remains the top obstacle (48%) to saving for a comfortable retirement. Workers cited stock market volatility as the second biggest concern at 36%, down from 42% last year. The study also found that people expect to retire at age 65 and have their retirement savings last for 23 years if using 401(k) plans to save. 

Retirement goals

On a positive note, workers are increasingly confident they will ultimately reach their retirement savings goals, with 40% of Gen Xers and 50% of Gen Z individuals remaining optimistic. Approximately 43% of workers now think they are very likely to achieve their retirement savings goals, up from 37% in 2023, per the study. 

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“Workers are feeling more optimistic about their retirement prospects and an improving economic climate tends to boost financial confidence,” said Lee McAdoo, managing director of Schwab Retirement Plan Services.

Many people also expect their 401(k) to be their primary source of retirement amid the uncertainty around when Social Security might run out of money. That said, the most recent report from the program’s trustees shows that the long-term outlook for Social Security has improved slightly, with the program paying full benefits for 11 more years. 

After that, Social Security faces a significant funding shortfall. The Schwab report does show that workers within 10 years of retirement expect to rely much more on Social Security than workers who are 11 or more years from retirement.

Primary retirement income

Workers surveyed expect 43% of their retirement income to come from their 401(k), the study showed, with 34% expected to come from their own 401(k) and 9% expected to come from that of a partner. That's up from 40% in 2023. In addition, most people (92%) seem to be paying more attention to how their 401(k) is performing, while only 8% (down from 12% last year) had no idea which investments they held in their 401(k). 

There is a big difference, however, between the amount that most people feel they need to retire and the average 401(k) balances held by each generation. The average 401(k) balance was $125,900, as of March 2024, according to Fidelity Investment’s “Building Financial Futures” report and reported by Kiplinger. 

The average IRA balance for all ages at the end of the second quarter of 2024 was $129,200. That's up 14% from 2023, according to Fidelity Investments.  IRA balances also show a wide gap between generations and what it needed to retire comfortably. When we add the total average balances for 401(k) and IRA accounts, we see that baby boomers have amassed $478,400. That's not chump change, but it is far from the goal of $1.8 million. However, changes are coming to both 410(k)s and IRAs in 2025 that may mean more money in your pocket at retirement. 

Here's a summary of the average 2024 401(k) and IRA (second quarter) balances by age based on Fidelity data.

Roadblocks to saving

While inflation and stock market volatility, as well as a rise in the cost of living, continue to cause concern, other worries emerged in 2024, such as:

• Meeting monthly expenses (35%)
• Remaining current with monthly expenses (32%)
• Paying down debt (27%). That figure is up from 24% last year.
• Paying for their children's education (21%).

Challenges for 2025

In 2025, many of these same concerns persist. Although inflation has dropped considerably from a high of 7% in 2021 to 2.6% today, it still remains a concern for many people trying to get by on a fixed income. 

Besides that, the prices of many household goods continue to shake up our finances. For instance, the average price of a gallon of milk is $4.04, a dozen eggs will set you back $3.37 and ground beef remains high at $5.59 a pound, according to the CBS Price Tracker. 

The price of a gallon of gas, car insurance, high utilities and rent make paying down debt difficult and the state of the economy has many people wondering if buying a home, much less reaching that $1M goal, is still a part of the American dream. That's where a financial planner can help.

Investing in their future

More people (61%), up from 55% last year, said they needed the help of a professional with financial planning for the future. Most (61%) are comfortable using AI tools like ChatGPT for help, though most prefer the advice of a professional human (60%) over a computer program, the study showed. 

“Both serve a purpose,” said Marci Stewart, director of client experience at Schwab Workplace Financial Services. “People start digitally because they can be anonymous, and there’s no judgment if you haven’t been doing what you think you should be doing." Stewart added, “When it comes to money, there’s still this source of trust for financial advice. They want reliable sources while they also check out social media and other tools.”

Find the full 401(k) Participant Study by Charles Schwab here. 

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