Americans believe they need $1.2 million saved to retire comfortably — but the vast majority don’t expect to come anywhere near that figure. A new survey by global investment manager Schroders, conducted among 1,500 investors between March and April 2026, reveals a widening gap between retirement aspirations and financial reality, driven by credit card debt, rising living costs, and savings left sitting in cash.
En bref
- —Americans target $1.2M for retirement, but 51% expect under $500K
- —33% carry more credit card debt than retirement savings
- —26% of retirement funds sit in cash, nearly matching equities
A $1.2 million target most Americans expect to miss
The number Americans have in mind for a comfortable retirement is $1.2 million — but only 30% of workplace retirement plan participants surveyed by Schroders believe they will actually reach the $1 million mark before they stop working.
