Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?
July 9, 2025
It’s difficult to reach a destination unless you know where you’re heading. Yet only 54% of workers or their spouses have tried to estimate the savings they would need to live comfortably in retirement.1
To get a start on establishing a retirement savings goal, use the information below to compare the income you think you will need (or want) with the sources of income you expect. Keep in mind that estimates are in today’s dollars, so your desired income should account for the rising cost of living between now and the time you plan to retire.
How much will you need?
Everyone’s situation is different, but one common guideline is that you will need at least 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income to meet your retirement expenses. This assumes that you will have paid off your mortgage, will have lower transportation and clothing expenses when you stop working, and will no longer be contributing to a retirement savings plan.
Although some expenses may be lower, others might increase, depending on your retirement lifestyle. For example, you may want to travel more or engage in new activities.
Unfortunately, medical expenses will likely be higher as you age. A recent study suggests that a man, woman, or couple who retired in 2024 at age 65 — with median prescription drug expenses and average Medigap premiums — might need $191,000, $226,000, or $366,000 in savings, respectively, to cover retirement health-care expenses (not including dental, vision, or long-term care).2 Future retirees may need even higher levels of savings.
Estimate income sources
You can estimate your monthly Social Security benefit at different retirement ages by establishing a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. The closer you are to retirement, the more accurate this estimate will be. If retirement is many years away, your benefit could be affected by changes to the Social Security system, but it might also rise as your salary increases and the Social Security Administration makes cost-of-living adjustments.
If you expect a pension from current or previous employment, you should be able to obtain an estimate from the employer.
Add other sources of income, such as from consulting or a part-time job, if that is in your plans. Be realistic. Consulting can be lucrative, but part-time work often pays low wages, and working in retirement is less likely than you might expect. In 2025, 75% of workers expected to work for pay after retirement, but only 29% of retirees said they had actually done so.3
Get Started
This information might give you a general idea of the savings needed to generate your desired retirement income.
1. Annual retirement income desired
Example: $80,000
2. Expected income from sources such as Social Security or a pension
Example: $30,000
3. Income you need to generate from savings and investments (line 1 – line 2)
Example: $50,000
4. Savings needed to provide desired income for 25 years, assuming 5% annual return (line 3 x 14.1 income generation factor)*
Example: $705,000
5. Savings needed to provide desired income indefinitely, assuming 5% annual return (line 3 divided by .05)
Example: $1,000,000
*Use a factor of 12.5 for 20 years or 15.4 for 30 years; factors are rounded.
This hypothetical example does not account for taxes or inflation and is used for illustrative purposes only. Rates of return will vary over time, particularly for long-term investments. Actual results will vary.
The income from your savings may depend on unpredictable market returns and the length of time you need your savings to last. Higher returns could enable your nest egg to grow faster, but it would be more prudent to use a modest rate of return in your calculations. Remember that all investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. Investments seeking higher rates of return also involve a higher degree of risk.
A more detailed projection
A rough estimate of your retirement savings goal is a good beginning, and a professional assessment may be the next step. Although there is no assurance that working with a financial professional will improve investment results, a professional can evaluate your objectives and resources and help you consider appropriate long-term financial strategies.
Sources:
1–3) Employee Benefit Research Institute, 2025 (Health-care expenses include Medigap premiums, Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles, Medicare Part D premiums, and out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses; projection is based on a 90% chance of meeting expenses and assumes a 7.32% return on savings from age 65 until expenditures are made.)
Valuing Your Trust
If you’re not already a valued client of Providence Wealth Advisors, we encourage you to learn more. To schedule a no cost, no obligation conversation, contact us to learn more at your convenience.