
Retirement 'magic number' tops $1.46 million as saving gaps widen
Northwestern Mutual’s 2026 Planning & Progress Study shows the retirement 'magic number' has risen to $1.46 million, reflecting higher costs and inflation, but most Americans aren’t close to that target; a more attainable goal is about 10 times annual income (roughly $800,000 for a median household), and Gen Z is starting to save earlier while Gen X lags, with many expecting to work in retirement.





