Approximately 1.8% of U.S. households have $2 million or more in dedicated retirement savings (such as 401(k)s and IRAs), according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute's analysis of Federal Reserve data. This indicates that, while $1 million is often considered a standard high-net-worth benchmark, having $2 million places retirees in a very small, exclusive category, representing fewer than two out of every 100 households.
This is as current as it gets. If you lower the bar to $1 million in retirement savings, only 2.5% of households cross that line. Among actual retirees, it's just 3.2%. So while the $2 million dream makes headlines, very few actually live it.
For many couples, the answer is yes, especially when paired with Social Security and a moderate lifestyle. A $2 million investment portfolio can generate around $80,000 in your first year of retirement under the 4% rule. With Social Security, the combined income could reach nearly $130,000 per year.
Research shows that less than 1% of households have $3 million or more in retirement savings. While this amount is uncommon, those who consistently invest, save diligently and manage their spending can build significant retirement assets over time.
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, less than 2% of households have $2 million or more saved for retirement. Factors like lifetime earnings, investment growth and inheritance play roles in achieving this level of wealth.
Suze Orman famously suggests many people need $5 million to $10 million to retire comfortably, especially for early retirement, to cover longevity, inflation, and healthcare risks, calling smaller amounts like $1 million or $2 million "nothing" against catastrophes. She emphasizes having 3 to 5 years of living expenses in cash reserves, separate from investments, and stresses a high savings rate (around 15%) and delaying Social Security for maximum benefit. While her large figures target a very secure, risk-averse retirement, she also advises on saving significantly more than typical projections suggest.
Very few people retire with $4 million; it's a rare milestone, placing someone in the top tier of wealth, likely the top 2-3% of households, but far from the ultra-wealthy, with most Americans having significantly less (median retirement savings around $87k). Reaching $4 million requires extreme discipline, starting early, consistent investing, and living below one's means, making it an exceptional achievement, not the norm.
That said, many experts recommend withdrawing 3% for early retirees. You say you've read it's possible to pursue an early retirement after attaining $2 million, and that may very well be the case for some people. But it isn't the ideal figure for you if it means you and your wife aren't happy anymore.
Is $2 million necessary for a comfortable retirement? While $2 million significantly exceeds the average retirement savings in the US, it can indeed provide a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. For example, retiring at 50 with $2 million could potentially yield an annual income of $50,000.
Key takeaways:
The typical American has an average retirement savings of $521,522. Americans in their 60s have the most saved for retirement with average balances close to $1.2 million. Average account balances more than double between those in their 20s vs their 30s.
Yes, $2 million in net worth makes you a multimillionaire (specifically a two-millionaire), as the term broadly refers to anyone with assets of $1 million or more, though financial experts often categorize higher net worths for "wealthy" status, and perception varies, with Americans often seeing over $2 million as truly wealthy.
Dave Ramsey believes you can retire with a $1 million nest egg. Suze Orman recommends saving $10 million. Both experts may be right depending on your retirement timeline and spending needs.
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute's analysis of Federal Reserve data, just 1.8% of U.S. households have at least $2 million in retirement savings. And when you push that to $2.5 million, the number shrinks even further — somewhere between the 1.8% with $2 million and the 0.8% with $3 million.
September 10, 2024 | Suze Orman
(Note, if you leave a job and are at least 55 you can make withdrawals from your 401(k) without being hit with the 10% early withdrawal penalty. That said, I am not endorsing tapping retirement savings at such a young age.)
Only a small fraction of Americans, around 3% to 4.7%, actually retire with $1 million or more in retirement accounts, according to Federal Reserve data, despite many feeling they need that much for comfort. The median savings for those approaching retirement (ages 65-74) is much lower, around $200,000-$609,000, making the million-dollar milestone rare, though "401(k) millionaires" are growing in number.
Crossing into the upper class starts near $1.5 million at ages 65–69 and about $1.65 million for 70–74. And if you're wondering where "wealthy" truly begins, the top 5% of retirees — roughly the 95th percentile — starts around $7 million in net worth for both age groups.
Americans Believe You Need $2.3 Million
According to Charles Schwab's recent Modern Wealth Survey, Americans felt that you need a net worth of $2.3 million to be considered wealthy, down from the $2.5 million figure last year.
Yes, $2 million is generally considered wealthy in the U.S., especially by the average person, with surveys showing the benchmark for "wealthy" is around $2.3 million, though it varies by age, location, and lifestyle, while the financial industry often defines high-net-worth at $1 million in liquid assets. Having $2 million in net worth places you above most Americans, but its impact depends on expenses like housing and debt.
Yes, $2 million should be enough to allow you to enjoy a comfortable, happy retirement that suits your needs and preferences. You retire at 61 – With an estimated life expectancy of 90, you need 29 years of income. Across those years, $2 million could equate to approximately $68,966 annually or $5,747 monthly.