How much do I need to retire in the US (2024)

Planning for retirement is a critical yet often overwhelming task, especially in the ever-changing financial environment of 2024. With factors like inflation, healthcare costs, and lifestyle expectations coming into play, understanding how much you need to retire comfortably can be challenging. 

In this article, we'll break down the essential components of retirement planning, offering insights into current financial trends, potential expenses, and effective saving strategies. Whether you’re just starting to save or are nearing retirement, this guide will help you assess your needs and make informed decisions for a secure financial future.

How much do I need to save to retire?

This is a question that many people ask themselves, even younger ones trying to visualize what to expect from the future and making good decisions financially speaking. 

However, there is no correct answer in this case. This is very subjective, just because what might be a lot for one person, maybe there isn't for another one. 

Many experts recommend that saving at least 10 times your pre-retirement salary and calculating living on about 80% during the working years can be approximately what you'll need to have a pretty decent retirement, depending on expenses, taxes, and some aspects we are treating afterward.

Common ways to measure retirement savings

The 4% Rule

This rule was created by Bill Bengen in 1994, saying that people should withdraw 4% of their retirement funds in the first year and take that amount, adjusted to inflation, every other year repeatedly. 

The point of doing it is to create a steady and safe income that will meet your needs in the future. 

What to consider when calculating retirement savings?

1. Where do you want to retire

Choosing the right place to retire might be one of the most important aspects of this process. 

In fact, there are many differences between states in the US that can affect negatively or positively in terms of financial aspects, entertainment, activities, landscapes, or distances. 

Some places in the country are tax-friendly to retirees so keep that in mind. 

2. How much do you want to spend?

Your lifestyle is key, you should know that for example if you wanna retire at 50 then you have to do it with a certain amount of money to fulfill your needs, taste, and things you want to do. 

This one is very related to the question below, but we can assure you that it depends on how you want to live and for how long, it's not the same at 40, 50, 60, or even 70 so keep in mind that fewer years working means probably a large amount to save (and people live more and more nowadays).  

3. What is your salary?

A crucial aspect is, that salary might determine your aspirations because of the amount of money you can save to a future retirement income when you don't work anymore. 

Anyway, some experts estimate that you should save 15% of your gross salary in your 20s and continue doing so while you're working, so if you earn 100,000$ a year then 15,000$ is a good and reasonable amount to save. 

4. What other investments do you own?

This is an option that may save you or your life easier during retirement. Investments might be the key to having an income during the rest of your life and adding up some extra money to the bank account.

Some of the industries to invest in are stocks, real estate or even trading nowadays so make sure to reach out for help in this area from an expert. 

5. Other factors

Every person has his own life, income, savings, lifestyle, and ideas when it comes to saving for retirement so not every case is the same and has obviously very different contexts and needs. 

So maybe you should take into consideration some situations like loans, mortgage, healthcare, or education if your wondering “How much do I need to retire in the US”.

How much to save for retirement by age

There are some formulas that may help you to solve this aspect. In a perfect world you should save:

1x annual salary - 30 years: Ideally, you should have saved the equivalent of 1 year’s salary. At this early stage, it’s important to start saving as soon as possible. 

3x annual salary - 40 years: It’s recommended to have accumulated about 3 times your annual salary by this age. You may have more financial responsibilities, such as a mortgage or family expenses. 

6x annual salary - 50 years: You should aim to have saved approximately 6 times your annual salary. This is a pivotal time to review and adjust your savings strategy, as you are nearing retirement.

8x annual salary - 60 years: By this time you should have saved about 8 times your annual salary. At this stage you're approaching retirement so have a detailed plan to do it. 

10x annual salary - 67 years: Finally, if you've done right the planning then saving 10 times your annual salary should be more than good for an earned retirement. 

These figures are general estimates and may vary based on personal circumstances such as lifestyle, retirement expectations, and other sources of income. 

Do you need help with your retirement?

If that is the case, then you should visit Bloom Financial for our services. We can offer you retirement planning, advisor about your numbers, and strategies that can be really helpful throughout this process. 

Also, we lend you a hand when it comes to tax knowledge and using this information to have a peaceful time. 

Just click here to schedule goals call and see what other clients said about us 🙂