We’ve all heard that the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better—but how much should you actually have saved at each stage of life? That question can feel overwhelming, especially with shifting financial obligations, market changes, and life surprises.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, having a general benchmark can help you stay on track. Everyone’s path is different, but here’s a helpful guide to retirement savings goals by age to give you a sense of where you stand—and where you might want to go next.

In Your 30s: Aim for 1x Your Salary

Your 30s can feel like a financial juggling act—between student loans, starting a family, or buying a home. Even so, this is a great decade to build your savings momentum.

By the time you hit 30, many experts recommend having about one year’s salary saved for retirement. If you’re not there yet, don’t worry—it’s not too late to get on track.

Try to save 15%–20% of your income annually, including any employer match, and increase your savings rate as your income grows. Starting in your 20s is ideal, but starting later still gives you plenty of runway.

Keep in mind that these benchmarks assume today’s dollars. To preserve your purchasing power over time, it’s important to invest those savings in a way that keeps up with inflation.

Also consider your lifestyle goals. If you’re planning to retire early or travel extensively, you may need to save more than average.

In Your 40s: Target 3x Your Salary

Your 40s are often your peak earning years—but they can also bring added expenses like raising kids, education costs, or caring for aging parents. By age 40, aim to have two to three times your salary saved, and work toward four times by age 45.

This is a good time to check in on your retirement goals and make sure your investments still align with your timeline and risk tolerance. If you’ve gotten a late start, try bumping up your contributions or exploring ways to reduce discretionary spending.

In Your 50s: Reach for 6x–7x Your Salary

This decade is a critical window for retirement planning. You may still have big expenses, but ideally, you’ve paid down some debt and can redirect more income toward retirement.

By age 50, having six times your annual salary saved is a solid goal. If you’re behind, consider taking advantage of catch-up contributions, which allow people age 50 and older to contribute more to their 401(k) and IRA accounts each year.

Review your estimated Social Security benefits and begin exploring how those might fit into your overall plan. It’s also a smart time to evaluate your long-term care needs and potential healthcare expenses in retirement.

In Your 60s: Push Toward 8x–10x Your Salary

As you approach retirement, savings become even more important. Experts often recommend having eight to ten times your salary saved by your early 60s. This provides flexibility when it comes to your retirement age and how you’ll structure withdrawals.

This is also the time to get clarity on your income plan. Consider:

• When to claim Social Security
• How much you’ll need to withdraw annually
• Whether your current portfolio is structured to support income needs
• Planning for healthcare costs, including Medicare and supplemental insurance

If you’re feeling behind, remember that other assets—such as home equity or business proceeds—may help support your plan.

Looking Ahead With Confidence

Retirement can feel like a distant goal—but it gets closer every year. Whether you’re in your 30s or approaching retirement, the most important step is to stay proactive and adjust your strategy as life evolves.

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Navalign Wealth Partners is here to help. Our advisors can work with you to create a personalized plan that aligns with your goals, timeline, and lifestyle—so you can feel confident in your financial future.

Ready to see if you’re on track for retirement? Let’s talk.