Are You Falling Behind in 2021? Check Your Average 401(k) Balance by Age

by | Jul 28, 2023 | 401k | 30 comments




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Average 401(k) Balance by Age (2021 Edition): Are You Behind?

As the retirement landscape continues to change and evolve, it is crucial to keep tabs on your financial future. One key component of retirement planning is understanding the average 401(k) balance by age. This knowledge can provide valuable insight into how you measure up compared to others in terms of retirement savings and help you determine if you’re on track or falling behind.

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401(k) plans have become the primary source of retirement savings for many Americans. These employer-sponsored retirement plans offer a tax-advantaged way to save for the future, allowing individuals to contribute a portion of their salary to a qualified investment account.

To get a sense of where you stand, it’s important to examine the average 401(k) balances by age bracket. According to recent data, the average 401(k) balance is as follows:

– In the 20s: Unsurprisingly, younger individuals tend to have lower 401(k) balances due to their shorter tenure in the workforce. On average, individuals in their 20s have an account balance of approximately $11,000. While this amount may seem modest, it’s important to remember that saving early can have a significant impact on long-term growth.

– In the 30s: As individuals progress in their careers and start earning higher salaries, their 401(k) balances tend to increase. Those in their 30s have an average balance of around $42,000. It’s worth noting that this figure includes individuals who may have started their retirement savings later in their 30s.

– In the 40s: By the time individuals reach their 40s, their average 401(k) balance has typically grown to approximately $102,000. This age bracket often represents a pivotal stage for retirement planning, as individuals may have more financial responsibilities and obligations, such as mortgages or children’s education.

– In the 50s: Individuals in their 50s often see a significant jump in their 401(k) balances, with an average of approximately $174,000. As retirement looms closer, individuals in this age range usually begin to increase their contributions to catch up on savings before they leave the workforce.

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– In the 60s: This age bracket represents individuals on the cusp of retirement, and their 401(k) balances have typically reached an average of around $195,000. It’s important to note that this figure does not account for other sources of retirement income, such as Social Security or pension plans.

While these figures provide a general overview, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s financial situation is unique. Numerous factors can contribute to higher or lower balances, such as income, job stability, and personal savings habits. Additionally, it’s important to consider that these figures are averages and may not necessarily reflect the optimal savings needed for a comfortable retirement.

If you find yourself falling behind the average 401(k) balance for your age, it’s not too late to make adjustments. Here are a few steps you can take to boost your retirement savings:

1. Increase your contributions: If possible, consider increasing your 401(k) contributions to accelerate your savings growth. Even small increments can have a considerable long-term impact.

2. Take advantage of employer matching: Ensure that you’re contributing enough to receive the full employer match, as it’s essentially free money towards your retirement.

3. Review your investments: Assess the performance of your investments within your 401(k) and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your funds are aligned with your retirement goals.

4. Consider consulting a financial advisor: A financial professional can offer personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and help you develop a comprehensive retirement plan.

Remember, it’s never too late to start saving for retirement. Regardless of where you stand in terms of the average 401(k) balance by age, taking proactive steps to boost your savings can significantly impact your financial future. Educate yourself about retirement planning and make informed decisions to ensure a comfortable retirement.

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30 Comments

  1. Tom Nolan

    I'm wondering if those who experienced the 2008 financial crisis had a smoother time compared to me at the moment. The stock market is causing me significant concern as my income isn't as high as it used to be. This worry stems from the fear that I might not have enough savings for my retirement since I'm unable to contribute more to my savings.

  2. matt burns G2G

    Okay so if I was to invest 25% into retirement like you guys recommend how should I break it down? My employer matches 4%. For example 4% into 401k and 21 percent into Roth IRA? Thanks

  3. Found_Fox_Fabrications

    I am super curious about how you would deal with a pension and judge what you need from that in retirement.

  4. Patricia Williams

    At what age is it no longer smart to contribute to Roth regardless of low interest rate?

  5. holden cawffle

    Ihavea403b and a457, so imcontributing $45,000 this year

    Boo yah

  6. Sherry Brooks

    Planning retirement has never been this confusing! First SVB, then Signature bank and now First republic, these are all the signs of yet another 2008 market crash and recession 2.0, so my question is do I still save in the United States dollar, or could this be a good time to buy stocks? So I’m left wondering what 2023 has in store for us investors, I’ve been sitting on over $745K equity from a home sale and I’m not sure where to go from here,

  7. Alexis Anders

    This are the type of contents i signed up for, the type that folks really need to watch. I’m 53, retired a while at 45. I have 35% of my capital investments in an IRA, 20% in index funds, and the balance spread across other investment accts, in cumulative of over $850K. I receive income from my rental properties too.

  8. PhoenixFPV

    29 and I only have about .5 my income in my 401k, but my income has grown a lot in the last few years

  9. Susan Nico

    This is financial advice and I never give financial advice: DONT LEAVE DURING THE BEAR. If you don’t want to invest…learn. If you don’t want to learn…build. If you don’t want to build observe. DO SOMETHING…other than leave. There is so much opportunity here. Take advantage!

  10. Jose

    I have 120k in school loans and have to do the PSLF program, by doing traditional 403b (401k) I can lower my income and thus pay less in loans each year, which in turn allows me to put more money in other retirement accounts. I’ll end up paying less back

  11. di. mythios

    Utter nonsense from these people. Blue collar millionaire. I shake my head on people having to do the digital gig to make money.

  12. ven

    You got this guys. I just turned fifty and have one point three in my 401k. Worked very hard past twenty five and looking to retire in five. You can do this. Stay focused and God bless.

  13. A DOE

    19:55 from my opinion with my options. Target date index funds have higher fees and lower returns? Who's with me?

  14. Nathan

    401k was hard for me to get in my 20s… All the jobs I had required a year to pay into 401k. After about 1.5-2 years I left so it wasn't really that high. Only now in my 30s does 401k basically start after probation period because of middle level employment now.

  15. you you

    30 here, very small amount in my 401k with a match, I can’t put any towards it because I don’t make enough. I guess 401k are for rich people.

  16. MY YT

    I just found out about Roth 401k options. Both my husband’s employer and my employer offer them! I switched them both to Roth contributions and upped the percentages. We are 29 and 30. I get discounted fiduciary services through my employer and I’m meeting with a local rep soon to go over our total picture and how to maximize our retirement. We want to have the option to retire between 55 and 60. Meaning we have enough to retire, but we can still work because we enjoy it while we let our big piles contribute to compound for a few more years. We want the OPTION to retire early with the benefit of working because we WANT to.

  17. MY YT

    Taking a loan from your 401k for a good reason when you’re close to retirement and it’s a small percentage of your total portfolio isn’t a terrible thing. Yes, it stops working, but you pay yourself the interest on it as opposed to a bank. But again, it needs to be short term and for a good reason and a very small percentage of your total pile.

  18. DIY TWOinCollege

    With paying for the kids colleges, after the government stopped helping, there isn’t much left to put that 15% in.

  19. Angelica Arteaga

    Am I behind ? Well considering I don’t have one yet lol

  20. Socrates Darius

    I would need a lil more context like are we shooting for a total amount like 1M or just based of what we're making because most people's job change and their pay changes so by what salary are we suppose to be going off of.

  21. oHerroPrease

    My number one selling point for the Roth vs the 401k IRA, do you think Income tax will go up or down in the future? Knowing the govt, I’m confident in saying the tax rates will be much higher in 20 years. Roth completely avoids that

  22. Yasin Nabi

    After I found out that money is only a tool to exchange for values, I stopped saving and started investing…. Invest your money to make more money, By saving your money you only lose its value and it gets depreciated…. a fellow creator. +++

  23. Timmy Samec, PhD

    This hurts finishing a PhD at 28 and starting 401(k) contributions a few months before turning 29…ouch.

  24. Heath Hendrix

    Curious how this looks when you have other accounts. I save into a 401,457b , and HSA .

  25. Connor Berglund

    My parents let me live with them for my first few years out of college. One of the stipulations my dad put on living with them tho was that I maxed out my 401K with Roth while I was there. Looking back, that was probably one of the smartest things I ever did.

  26. M. Carmona

    I wish I would've met you 15 years ago 😀 great work guys

  27. Chrris Hug

    I will not invest anything that is tied in govt. they are corrupt and all they want to do is steal your money. Don’t be fooled.

  28. Shelly Armstrong

    Procrastinating and not starting one as soon as I was eligible was not the best move. It's really not that hard to open an account and manage yourself. And you can also have your brokerage manage it for you. If you're reading this, start now.

  29. Sarabjot Singh

    At 14:16 do they mean annual income or monthly income?

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