Overview
- Survey data show Americans with financial advisors hold about $132,000 in retirement savings versus $62,000 without one, and 79% of advised clients have long‑term plans compared with 38% of non‑advised savers.
- Compounding remains a powerful lever, with one illustration showing $132,000 at age 45 growing to roughly $888,000 by 65 at a 10% annual return even without new contributions, underscoring how modest earners can build sizable nests over time.
- Many retirees lean on Social Security, which averaged $2,008 per month in August 2025, with couples often collecting about $48,000 annually, yet median household net worth in the 60s of roughly $290,000 leaves a wide gap to common targets.
- Northwestern Mutual pegs a typical comfort target near $1.26 million under the 4% rule, while pursuing $12,000 in monthly income would require about $3.6 million, highlighting how lifestyle goals drive needed savings.
- To counter longer lifespans and persistent inflation, Dunham & Associates highlights a purpose‑oriented portfolio approach and return goals 4%–5% above inflation, with planners warning traditional conservative mixes may fall short over multi‑decade retirements.