When you hear "$4 million," does it sound like a dream retirement nest egg or an actual goal? If you're thinking, "Yeah, right!" you're not alone.
Most people are curious about how they compare to others in terms of savings, but few can fathom hitting such a high target. So, how many people have $4 million saved? And more importantly, do you need that much to retire comfortably? According to a study, many people believe you need even more than this for retirement!
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The $4 Million Reality
According to data based on estimates from the Federal Reserve, having a net worth of $4 million places you in the top 3% of American households. That's an elite group, for sure.
Leigh Baldwin & Co. Advisory Services reports about 4,473,836 U.S. households have amassed $4 million or more in wealth. This figure represents roughly 3.44% of all households in the country.
While this is a slim percentage, a recent survey from New York Life found that today's workers believe they would need an average of $4.3 million to retire comfortably. The idea of having millions tucked away for your golden years might sound ideal, but the reality for most people is quite different.
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Where Do Americans Stand?
Let's get real: most Americans are nowhere near that kind of savings. Having $1 million in tax-advantaged retirement accounts could put you in the top 3.2% of retirement savers, but most people find themselves far behind this mark.
According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, Americans’ average retirement savings is $334,000, while the median – a more accurate picture – is just $86,900. Although people may feel they need millions to retire, they aren't actually saving millions.
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The question of how much you need to retire comfortably pops up for savers again and again. In a Forbes article, Michelle Richter-Gordon, co-founder of Annuity Research and Consulting in New York City, explained, "People don't know how much they need at all. They also don't know when they will retire."
The problem is compounded by many people relying on online retirement calculators to figure out their savings needs. While these tools can be helpful, they often overestimate the amount of money required, leaving people feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.
Some of these calculators are provided by investment firms, which may want to boost your contributions to grow their revenues. It's no wonder that retirement feels like an uphill battle for many.
What Do You Need for Retirement?
It's important to consider your retirement goals. The amount you need depends on various factors, such as where you plan to live, lifestyle choices and health care costs.
Many experts suggest that aiming for around $1 million to $2 million in retirement savings may be more realistic for most Americans, especially when factoring in Social Security benefits and other sources of income.
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Even if saving millions of dollars seems like a distant dream, losing hope is unnecessary. Start by setting achievable goals, saving consistently and monitoring your long-term financial health. The road to retirement doesn't have to be intimidating. Ultimately, it's about making smart financial choices that allow you to live comfortably, not just chasing big numbers.
It's always a good idea to consult with a financial advisor to ensure you're on track to retire where you want, without the pressure of hitting some magic number.
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© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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