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Ask someone what it takes to feel rich in retirement, and they’ll usually throw out a big number \u2014 a million, maybe two, maybe ten. But in reality, if you’ve saved $1 million or more, you already have more than 97% of retirees in the U.S. That’s not a feeling \u2014 it’s a fact.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Data from the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances<\/a> shows only 3.2% retirees have more than $1 million saved. That puts you squarely in the top 3%, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re living large.<\/p>\n Don’t Miss:<\/strong><\/p>\n Still, some financial experts say even that might not be enough. Suze Orman has warned that $1 million doesn’t stretch the way it used to \u2014 and in her words, even $2 million is “pennies.” She recommends aiming for at least $10 million<\/a>, stressing that most people dramatically underestimate the cost of retirement \u2014 especially when it comes to health care, longer lifespans, and inflation.<\/p>\n But that target is far out of reach for most Americans. Federal data<\/a> also found 54% of U.S. households have no retirement savings at all. That staggering stat reveals just how wide the retirement gap really is \u2014 and why averages can be misleading. Most data reflects only those actively saving, which leaves out millions who aren’t in the game at all.<\/p>\n Trending: Missed Nvidia and Tesla? RAD Intel Could Be the Next AI Powerhouse \u2014 Invest Now at Just $0.81 a Share<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Still, among savers, here’s what people actually have in retirement accounts:<\/p>\n Under 35: Median $18,800; Mean $49,130<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ages 35\u201344: Median $45,000; Mean $141,520<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ages 45\u201354: Median $115,000; Mean $313,220<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ages 55\u201364: Median $185,000; Mean $537,560<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ages 65\u201374: Median $200,000; Mean $609,230<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ages 75 and over: Median $130,000; Mean $462,410<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n And while Americans say they’ll need $1.26 million to retire comfortably according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress Study<\/a>, most are nowhere near that number. That estimate is down from $1.46 million in 2024, but still six times higher than the median savings of most people nearing retirement.<\/p>\n See Also: Backed by $300M+ in Assets and Microsoft’s Climate Fund, Farmland LP Opens Vital Farmland III to Accredited Investors<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n