Americans think they need almost $1.5 million to retire. Experts say to focus on another number instead

Americans’ “magic number” savings goal for retirement has increased by over 50% since 2020. But experts say the secret to building true wealth is having a high savings rate.

When it comes to retirement, Americans have a new number in mind — $1.46 million — for how much they think they will need to live comfortably, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual.

That estimate is up 53% since 2020, when Americans said they would need $951,000, as the cost of living has surged in recent years. It is also up 15% from last year, when respondents said they would need $1.27 million.

For many savers, that goal may sound daunting, particularly as U.S. adults have an average of $88,400 currently saved toward retirement, the study found. Likewise, a recent CNBC survey showed that 53% of Americans feel like they are behind on their retirement savings.

Lorie Konish | CNBC

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