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A senior checking account usually comes with unique perks designed to provide support to senior citizens. As we get older our needs change, including our financial needs. That’s why some financial institutions offer these accounts, known as senior checking accounts.

So what exactly is a senior checking account? What perks does it offer and what are the possible downsides? And is it worth it vs. a regular checking account . We’ll fill you in on all of that, plus how to find a senior citizen checking account if you think it’s right for you.

How Does a Senior Checking Account Work?

A checking account, often simply referred to as a bank account, is a type of deposit account that gives consumers a place to safely store their money while still being able to easily access it and spend it. With a checking account, it’s possible to make purchases or payments with a debit card or a check.

So, what is a senior checking account then? A senior checking account functions the same as a normal checking account, but is designed for consumers of a certain age (usually in retirement).

What Is the Difference Between a Senior Checking Account and a Normal Checking Account?

Overall, senior checking accounts serve the same purpose as a normal checking account. However, a senior checking account may have certain age requirements and can come with unique benefits and senior discounts designed to provide support to senior citizens. Some of these benefits may include:

•   Free checks

•   No minimum balance requirement

•   No monthly service charges

•   No transaction fees

•   No statement processing fees

•   Waived CD penalties

These types of perks make it easier for senior citizens to manage their financial life.

Pros of a Senior Checking Account

A senior checking account enjoys the same advantages as a normal checking account, as well as additional perks.

•   Unique perks. Eligible account holders can enjoy special perks like free checks, and no minimum balance requirement, monthly service charges, or transaction fees.

•   Earn interest. It’s not guaranteed everywhere, but some senior checking accounts allow account holders to earn interest.

•   Secure. Thanks to FDIC insurance, funds stored in a checking account (up to a certain amount) are safe and secure.

•   Accessible. It’s super easy to access money stored in a checking account. Account holders can make as many withdrawals as they like in a variety of different ways including by visiting a bank, using a debit card at an ATM, writing a check, and making an online bank transfer.

•   Debit card. Typically, checking accounts come with debit cards which make it easy to pay for purchases without having cash on hand.

•   Direct deposits. Instead of waiting for paper checks in the mail, account holders can set up convenient direct deposits.

Cons of a Senior Checking Account

Of course, there are also disadvantages associated with senior checking accounts. Here are some to mull over:

•   Age requirements. Senior checking accounts often have age requirements, such as age 55 and over. Some banks require age 62 and up. It can be challenging to find one if below a certain age.

•   No interest. As briefly mentioned above, it is possible to earn interest with a checking account, but it’s fairly rare. Keeping money in a savings account can make it easier to earn interest.

•   Fees. While senior checking accounts tend to charge fewer or lower fees, they can come with account management fees, overdraft fees, and other fees.

•   Minimum balance. Again, some senior checking accounts don’t require a minimum balance, but some may.

How Can I Apply for a Senior Citizen Checking Account?

The process of opening a checking account for senior citizens looks the same as opening a normal checking account, but the applicant may be required to prove they are a certain age to be eligible.

While all banks and credit unions will have their own unique process for opening an account, consumers can generally expect to take the following steps to open a senior citizen checking account.

•   Complete the application. During the application process it is typical to provide identity and contact information during this stage.

•   Designate beneficiaries. Once their application is approved, they will need to choose a beneficiary for their account in the event they pass away.

•   Deposit funds. As briefly noted, some senior citizen checking accounts will require a minimum account balance, so the applicant may need to deposit that amount to open their account.

Is a Senior Checking Account Worth It Over a Normal Checking Account?

If someone is old enough to qualify for a senior checking account, it is likely worth it for them to choose this type of deposit account over a normal checking account. Both senior checking accounts and normal checking accounts share the same disadvantages, but senior checking accounts come with unique perks that regular checking accounts often don’t include, such as free checks and minimal fees.

Things to Consider When Looking for a Senior Citizen Checking Account

Before opening a senior checking account, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind.

•   Convenience. Scope out the bank’s features to make sure it’s super simple to use. Is it also possible to have a savings account at the bank or credit union offering a senior citizen checking account? Having both a checking account and savings account in one place is usually easier. Do they have a bank location nearby? Is their website a breeze to use? Keep convenience in mind when choosing where to open a new senior citizen checking account.

•   Bank type. Everyone has their preferences when it comes to banking. Take some time to consider if a traditional bank, credit union, or online bank is the best fit.

•   Features. Compare a few different senior citizen checking account options. What perks do they offer? Do they have a mobile app? What other financial products and tools do they offer?

•   Fees. Senior citizen checking accounts tend to have fewer fees than typical checking accounts. Still, it’s worth comparing the different fees each account charges.

The Takeaway

If you or a loved one is 55 or older, a senior bank account can offer unique advantages compared to typical checking accounts. Fees can be lower, you might earn a bit of interest, and checks may be free. All in all, if someone is old enough to qualify, they can likely enjoy a lot more perks with a senior citizen checking account.

Looking for a new bank with a lot of perks? Check out SoFi. If you open an online bank account with direct deposit, you’ll earn a terrific APY and pay no account fees.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What is senior banking?

Senior bank accounts function the same way normal banking does. The only difference between banking products and services designed for senior citizens is that they offer unique perks suited for their life stage — such as not requiring a minimum account balance.

Which banks have the best checking accounts?

Getting the best checking account depends on the features that matter most to you. That said, online banks tend to have the same benefits since they don’t need to pay for bricks and mortar locations and pass the savings along to their customers with fewer fees and better APYs. Similarly, because credit unions are not-for-profit organizations owned by their members, they tend to pass their profits off to customers in the forms of lower fees and higher interest rates.

What is the age restriction for senior checking accounts?

The age restrictions for senior bank accounts depend on each bank and credit union that offers this type of account. They often range from a minimum age requirement of 55 to 62.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Photo credit: iStock/Deagreez
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Your 40s are a pivotal point in your life. You may have a house, a family, aging parents, and a busy job by this time. College expenses for kids may be looming, as well as retirement a little farther off. Maybe you’re hatching a plan to start your own business soon or buy a beach house that’ll be your empty-nester home.

Each person will have unique financial goals in their 40s, which will depend on many factors, like lifestyle, salary, and acquired assets. Now is the perfect time to crystallize those dreams and get your money in top shape. You’re old enough to know what you want, and chances are, you have many peak earning years ahead.

Read on for financial planning tips for your 40s, including:

•   Why it’s not too late to start budgeting and saving in your 40s

•   What are the right financial goals for 40-year-olds

•   Ways to save for children’s college expenses

•   How to save for retirement

•   What financial goals you should meet in your 40s.

Why Turning 40 Is a Big Deal

Where personal finances are concerned, your 40s are a big deal. You’re most likely approaching the height of your career and earning potential. Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that primetime for earnings usually hits between age 35 and 54.

But you may also have many more expenses, such as planning for college for your children, planning for retirement, and caring for aging parents. Your 40s are a complicated decade where sound financial planning is crucial for a secure future.

Why It Is Not Too Late to Start Financial Planning in Your 40s

If there is one thing that is certain in life, it is uncertainty. Things change. Many people return to school in their 40s to boost their earning potential. Some take the plunge and dive into an entrepreneurial venture. Some leave the workforce entirely to focus on raising a family.

Whatever your life brings at this stage, you still have a couple of decades to plan for the years ahead, including your retirement, so set some goals now. It’s advisable to set long-term goals (5+ years), mid-term goals (2 to 5 years), and short-term goals (1 to 2 years). Having this staggered approach can help you balance your varied aspirations. Different timelines can demand different tactics.

Financial Planning Tips in Your 40s

So how exactly can you successfully manage your money in your 40s? Here are some tips for developing a financial strategy, saving money in your 40s, and more.

Pay Off Credit Cards and High-Interest Loans

Pay off as much high-interest debt as you can. This debt, typically the kind charged on credit cards, can be a major drain on your finances. Currently, credit card interest rates hover near 20%, which can throw a wrench in your budget if you’re carrying a balance.

You don’t need to stop using plastic completely, but you do want to whittle down what you owe. Credit cards can actually boost your credit score if you use them wisely and pay off the balance each month. If you can’t easily prioritize this debt and pay it down, options include:

•   Getting a balance transfer credit card, which will allow you to pay no or low interest for a period of time and catch up on payments

•   Taking out a debt consolidation loan at a lower rate to pay off the cards

•   Talking with a low- or no-fee credit counselor for guidance.

Invest in Physical and Mental Health

Healthcare can be one of the biggest expenses a person faces, so it pays to take care of yourself. The healthier you are, the fewer services and interventions you will likely need, and the less you will pay in deductibles each year. Most importantly, your quality of life and ability to earn will be so much greater if you are physically and mentally healthy. Take steps to assess your wellness and address any issues that are brewing. Also make sure that you choose the right health insurance plan for your specific situation.

If you have aging parents, talk to them about their health insurance plan and finances so that you understand how they are handling their wellness costs and have peace of mind.

Look More Closely at Retirement

At age 40, many people decide now is the right time to start saving for retirement. Or perhaps they already have a retirement plan or a 401(k) through their employer that they haven’t revisited recently.

Whatever your exact situation, your 40s are a good time to focus on your plan. You might think about increasing your 401(k) contributions, opening a Roth IRA, or finding a taxable investment account. Also, if you get a raise or bonus, why not put a chunk of it towards saving for your future?

You’ll likely want to consider how much of a nest egg you will need to retire and whether your current plan will get you there. If you pay for a professional financial planner, they can help you figure out how to save money in your 40s and maintain your desired standard of living into retirement.

Plan for Children’s Expenses (College, Careers)

It can be a shock when you realize that your baby is suddenly heading to college, and the cost of paying for their education may be an even greater surprise—and not necessarily a pleasant one. It can be very expensive. That’s why, when it comes to budgeting for couples or single parents, paying for higher education is often a major (and majorly challenging) goal.

There are saving plans specifically designed for college; for instance, 529 plans offer many benefits. If your children are not headed to college, other savings options like certificates of deposit (CDs) might be a better way to invest in their future. Teach your children sound financial management skills so you won’t be supporting them in their adulthood.

Some people go back to school in their 40s to help them move to the next level at work or prepare for a new career. If you are among them, create a budget that includes all your expenses and income. Project those numbers into the next few years to help you plan your life and stay on track financially.

Choose or Revisit Insurance Plans

In addition to health insurance mentioned above, your 40s can be a good time to consider disability insurance. If something happens to you and you cannot work, you could be forced to use your retirement and emergency funds sooner. Whether you choose short-term vs. long-term disability insurance, a policy can protect you by providing a safety net.

Death is an unavoidable life event, so review your life insurance policy (could you get a better deal elsewhere?) and be sure you have drafted a will. Parents who plan and pay for their funerals ahead of time ease the burden on dependents. The median cost of a traditional funeral is around $7,848, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. An insurance policy, a payable-on-death account, or prepaying at a funeral home can be good options to fund end-of-life expenses.

If you are shopping for life insurance, there are many online comparison tools that let you quickly see some different offers and how they stack up. It’s an easy way to start the process.

Keep Emergency Funds in Good Shape

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Some of them are not so fun, like having your car conk out, the roof leak, or your job suddenly come to an end. In times like those, you will need access to funds to cover your costs. That’s why having an emergency fund is important; with enough money to cover three to six months’ worth of your basic living expenses in a savings account, you’ll have peace of mind. If you don’t yet have a rainy day fund, start putting money aside each month (even just $25). Funnel any “found money” (say, a tax refund) to this savings account too.

Invest in a Diversified Portfolio

Growing your wealth often involves investing. While it does carry risk, it can yield big rewards. For instance, the annualized Standard and Poor’s (S&P) 500 return over the last 10 years was a healthy 14.7%. You might invest on your own, with a broker, or with automated financial planning. The vehicles you choose will depend on your risk tolerance. Some people invest in CDs and bonds, which are relatively low risk, while others enjoy speculating on the stock market. Manage your risk by never investing more than you can afford to lose.

Some people prefer to invest in stocks using dollar-cost averaging—investing a fixed dollar amount regularly, regardless of the share price—which can help you to build a diversified portfolio while minimizing volatility over the long term.

How Technology Can Make Managing Finances Easier

Managing finances and investments is so much easier in the digital age. Mobile banking and finance apps mean that you can manage your finances from your armchair 24/7. Online lenders offer favorable investment and savings options, and online trading platforms allow anyone to trade on the stock markets.

Where Should I Be Financially by 40?

Financial goals by age 40 vary. One rule of thumb is to save 15% of your income each year, but this figure is subjective and depends on many factors, including your existing assets.

The Takeaway

It’s never too late to take control of your finances. In your 40s, you are likely entering your prime earning years, so it’s a good moment to focus on paying down debt, preparing for the next chapter of your children’s lives, and saving and investing to get ready for retirement. With some wise money moves, you’ll be set to make the most of this decade and beyond.

One path to help pump up your cash: Choosing a bank that could help your money grow faster, like SoFi. Open an online bank account with direct deposit, and you’ll earn a competitive APY and pay zero fees. Plus, we make checking your balance and completing transfers super quick and easy.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.

FAQ

What financial goals should a 40-year-old have?

Ideally, a 40-year-old would be building a nest egg for retirement, paying down high-interest debt, and finding ways to sensibly pay for children’s college fees and meet other financial obligations. How much anyone needs to achieve these goals depends on many factors, such as lifestyle, income, and financial obligations.

How much should a 40-year-old have saved?

How much a 40-year-old should have saved depends on their current and future lifestyle and needs. A rule of thumb is to save 15% of your income each year towards retirement, but it will be different for everyone.

How can I build my wealth in my 40s?

You can build wealth in your 40s by paying down high-interest debt, choosing the right savings and investment vehicles, and planning for retirement.

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Photo credit: iStock/shapecharge

SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.

SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.

SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.60% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.

SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.

Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.

Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

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Who doesn’t want to retire early? If you have $1 million stashed away by age 55, you may feel like you have enough to leave the rat race and ride out your golden years. Unfortunately, it may not be enough.

It all depends on your lifestyle and location. For some professionals, asking if $1 million is enough to retire on may be downright naive. As people live longer and prices continue to rise, many of us can end up needing much more.

If sitting on a cool million at 55 makes you feel like you’re ahead of the game, it’s probably a good idea to slow your roll and take some key factors into consideration.

How Far $1 Million in Retirement Will Realistically Take You

One million dollars sounds like a lot of money: surely enough to last the rest of your life, right? But how far will $1 million really take you in retirement? There’s no single answer that applies to everyone. The nest egg that an individual will need hinges on the following variables:

•   Where you’ll live when you retire

•   The lifestyle you want to lead

•   Whether you have dependents

•   Healthcare costs

•   Other retirement income

•   Investment risk

•   Inflation

Considered another way, the answer comes down to your withdrawal rate — how much money you regularly withdraw from your accounts to live on — and how long you end up living. A conservative withdrawal rate, for example, is 3%. So, if you’re eating up 3% of your savings per year (with inflation on top of that), you’ll want to make sure you have enough to last for a few decades.

This is complicated stuff, and it may be best to consult a financial professional to help you plan it all out. At the very least, run some numbers yourself to figure out, “Am I on track for retirement?”

Recommended: Average Retirement Savings by State

Why You Need to Figure on Needing a Lot More if You Retire Early

Financial experts often say that you’ll need around 80% of your pre-retirement annual income for each year of retirement. That means that if your pre-retirement annual income is $80,000, you should plan on saving around $64,000 per year of retirement.

In that scenario, if you hope to retire at 55, you would need almost $2 million! That amount would last you for around 30 years, until you are 85. As you may have noticed, this is considerably more than $1 million.

Even then, you have to think about what happens if you live until you’re 95, or even 105. That’s 50 years of retirement — and $1 million is probably not going to last half a century. If you’re planning on retiring early, it seems, you will need a lot more than $1 million.

How Much You Should Ideally Save for Retirement

Again, the amount you should ideally save for retirement will depend on the kind of lifestyle you want to have during your retirement years. Because there are so many unknowns and variables to consider, many people simply aim to save as much as they can.

To get to a ballpark figure, though, ask yourself the following questions when crunching the numbers:

•   At what age would you like to retire?

•   What kind of lifestyle do you want to have?

•   Will you work part-time? If so, what kind of work will you do, and what is the average pay for that type of work?

•   Will you have passive income (such as rental income from a real estate property)?

•   What other sources of income will you have (Social Security, etc.)?

•   Where will you live when you retire, and what is the cost of living in that location?

•   How big of a safety net do you want for unforeseen circumstances?

Once you’ve thought about how you want to live your retirement, you can plan for that scenario. Create the budget you would like to have, then calculate the cost per year and the number of years you plan on being retired.

While we don’t know how long we will live, expecting a longer lifespan is a smart way to plan for retirement. You don’t want to outlive your savings and be too old to go back to work.

So, how much you should ideally save for retirement will vary in a big way from person to person. Perhaps the simplest answer is to save as much as you can.

Factors to Consider When Saving for Retirement

In addition to your cost of living after retirement, you should factor in inflation. Adjust your yearly cost of retirement with an inflation calculator to learn the change in value of your saved money over time. For perspective: Inflation, historically, has averaged just over 3%.

Happily, the stock market has grown faster than the inflation rate over time. So you can do some stock portfolio tracking to see whether your investments may help you stay ahead of inflation.

And another thing: Life expectancy is higher than it used to be. Americans are living, on average, until 80. With that in mind, plan for a longer lifespan. That way you won’t feel as though you’re running out of money later in retirement.

How to Determine the Right Amount to Retire For You

If you want to keep your current cost of living and lifestyle, take your current salary and multiply it by the number of years you are planning on living off your retirement and multiply it by around 80%. Then, adjust it for inflation using an online calculator. Finally, add a cash cushion for unforeseen events.

It’s a bit of math, but this should give you a ballpark idea of your needs. You can always use a retirement calculator, too, of which there are many.

The Takeaway

Long story short: It is possible to retire with $1 million at 55. However, $1 million is not going to be enough for most people. You’ll need to create a customized financial plan based on your lifestyle goals if you want to try, though — there is no magic formula or a one-size-fits-all plan to do it. So identify what matters to you and then plan your retirement based on your ideal type of retirement.

If you want some tools to help you get started, SoFi has them — including a debt payoff planner that can help you boost your savings and investing rates and knock out your debt. After all, you probably won’t want to carry debt in retirement, and the sooner you pay it off, the sooner you can save more!

SoFi — proof that some free things are worth a lot more than their cost.

FAQ

How much money do I need to retire at 55?

The amount of money you will need to retire at 55 will depend on the kind of lifestyle you want to lead during retirement. If you’re planning on living off of $60,000 per year, and are hoping to live for another 30 or so years, you will need almost $2 million.

Can you live on $1 million in retirement?

One million dollars is not going to be enough for most people in the U.S. to retire on. Whether $1 million is enough will largely depend on the kind of lifestyle you want. If you are planning on receiving a pension and/or Social Security, that will significantly help to stretch your savings.

Can I retire with $1 million in my 401(k)?

Depending on your lifestyle, $1 million in your 401(k) may not be enough. When combined with other savings and investments, it can be. But it’s probably best to consult with a financial planner who can help you determine how to best use your 401(k) savings.

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Photo credit: iStock/LaylaBird

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