Retirement planning is one of the most important financial exercises you can do — and the earlier you start, the easier it becomes. Whether you are 25 or 55, understanding how much you need, where to save, and how to invest are the keys to a comfortable retirement.
2026 Retirement Account Contribution Limits
Maximize your tax-advantaged retirement savings by knowing the current limits:
- 401(k), 403(b), 457 plans: $23,500 per year ($31,000 if age 50+). New for 2025+: workers aged 60–63 can contribute up to $34,750 under the enhanced catch-up provision.
- Traditional and Roth IRA: $7,000 per year ($8,000 if age 50+). Income limits apply for Roth IRA contributions.
- SEP IRA (self-employed): Up to 25% of net self-employment earnings, maximum $70,000.
- Health Savings Account (HSA): $4,300 individual / $8,550 family. HSAs offer triple tax advantages and can serve as a stealth retirement account.
The 4% Rule: How Much Do You Need?
The 4% rule is a widely-used guideline suggesting you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation each year, with a high probability of your money lasting 30+ years. This means your target retirement number is roughly 25 times your desired annual spending.
For example, if you want $60,000 per year in retirement income, you need a portfolio of approximately $1.5 million (60,000 × 25). If you expect $25,000 per year from Social Security, you only need to cover the remaining $35,000 from savings, reducing your target to about $875,000.
Recent research suggests that in the current interest rate environment, a 3.5–4.0% withdrawal rate remains reasonable for a 30-year retirement. If you plan for a longer retirement (retiring early at 50 or 55), consider using a more conservative 3.0–3.5% rate.
Age-Based Savings Milestones
Fidelity Investments provides a popular set of benchmarks for retirement savings progress based on your salary:
- Age 30: 1× your annual salary saved
- Age 35: 2× your annual salary saved
- Age 40: 3× your annual salary saved
- Age 45: 4× your annual salary saved
- Age 50: 6× your annual salary saved
- Age 55: 7× your annual salary saved
- Age 60: 8× your annual salary saved
- Age 67: 10× your annual salary saved
Social Security in 2026
Social Security remains a foundation of retirement income for most Americans. In 2026, the maximum monthly benefit at full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later) is approximately $4,018. The average monthly benefit is about $1,976.
You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but your payment is permanently reduced by about 30%. Delaying past full retirement age increases your benefit by 8% per year until age 70. For many people, delaying Social Security is one of the best "investments" available.
Investment Strategy by Age
A common rule of thumb is to subtract your age from 110 to determine your stock allocation. For example, a 30-year-old might hold 80% stocks and 20% bonds, while a 60-year-old might hold 50% stocks and 50% bonds. As you approach retirement, gradually shifting toward more conservative allocations protects your portfolio from a poorly-timed market downturn.
Target-date funds automate this process by gradually shifting your asset allocation as you approach your target retirement year. They are available in most 401(k) plans and offer a simple, set-it-and-forget-it approach.
Try the Retirement Calculator
Put this knowledge into action with our free calculator. Get instant, personalized results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I save for retirement each month?
Financial experts recommend saving 15–20% of your gross income for retirement, including any employer match. If you start at 25, saving 15% is typically sufficient. Starting later requires higher percentages. Use our Retirement Calculator to find the exact monthly amount needed based on your age, current savings, and retirement goals.
What is the difference between a traditional and Roth 401(k)?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, reducing your current taxable income, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax (no current tax break), but withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. If you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement, Roth is generally better. If you expect lower taxes in retirement, traditional is better.
Can I retire early at 55?
Yes, but it requires more aggressive savings and planning. Retiring at 55 instead of 65 means 10 more years of retirement to fund and 10 fewer years of saving. You will need roughly 28–33 times your annual expenses (using a more conservative 3–3.5% withdrawal rate). You can access 401(k) funds penalty-free at 55 under the Rule of 55 if you leave your employer, though IRA withdrawals before 59½ typically incur a 10% penalty.
How does inflation affect my retirement savings goal?
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. If you need $60,000 per year in today's dollars and retire in 20 years with 3% average inflation, you will actually need about $108,000 per year at retirement to maintain the same lifestyle. Always use inflation-adjusted (real) return rates when planning. Our Retirement Calculator accounts for inflation so your projections reflect true purchasing power.