What’s Your Retirement Number?
- Brandon Budd
- Oct 21, 2025
- 3 min read
how to calculate and reach it
We all dream about what retirement could look like—more travel, more family time, or maybe just fewer Monday morning meetings. But for many people, the biggest question isn’t when to retire, it’s how much you’ll need to make that dream possible.
That magic figure is often called your retirement number—the amount of money you’ll want saved to retire comfortably and maintain your desired lifestyle.
So, what’s yours? And more importantly, how do you get there?
Know Your Number
Your retirement number is personal. It depends on when you plan to retire, how long you might live in retirement, what you plan to spend money on, and other income sources like Social Security.
A quick starting point: many financial planners suggest aiming to replace about 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income each year. So if you currently earn $75,000, you might aim for enough savings to generate about $52,500 a year in retirement.
But everyone’s situation is different—health, family plans, debt, and inflation all play a role. That’s why having a clear plan in place makes a big difference.
How to Calculate It
Here’s a simple framework to get you started:
Estimate your annual expenses in retirement—housing, healthcare, travel, hobbies.
Subtract any predictable income, like Social Security or a pension.
Multiply the remaining annual need by the number of years you expect to be retired.
For example, if you expect to spend $60,000 a year and Social Security covers $20,000, you’ll need to plan for an extra $40,000 per year. If you expect 25 years in retirement, that’s roughly $1 million needed in savings.
This example is hypothetical and intended for illustrative purposes only. It does not reflect actual results and is not a guarantee of future outcomes.
Of course, this is just a starting point. That’s where structured tools and consistent planning can help bring your number into focus.
Take Small, Steady Steps
Knowing your number is just the beginning. Reaching it takes clear, consistent action—and the earlier you start, the better.
Start by setting realistic savings goals and building them into your monthly budget. Look for ways to reduce debt, increase your contributions to retirement accounts (like a 401(k) or IRA), and take advantage of employer matches if available.
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Focus on small, sustainable changes that build momentum over time. These steps not only grow your savings but also boost your confidence as you move closer to your retirement goals.
Check In Regularly
Life changes, and so will your retirement plan. Make it a habit to check in on your number every year or after big life events—like a new job, marriage, or having kids. Adjusting your strategy along the way keeps you moving toward your goal without surprises later.
Ready to Find Your Number?
Planning for retirement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with your number, take steady steps, and check in often.
intellisteps®, from intellicents, is a foundational financial planning tool designed to help you break your retirement strategy into clear, manageable steps—no investment advice, just smart, structured guidance to help you feel more in control.
🔗 Learn more about intellisteps® and how it can help you plan smarter for the future you want.
Summary
Knowing your retirement number—the amount you’ll need to retire comfortably—is the first step toward a worry-free future. Start by estimating how much income you’ll need each year in retirement, subtract other income sources like Social Security, and multiply by the number of retirement years you expect. Once you have your number, focus on steady savings and regular check-ins to stay on track. Tools like intellisteps® can help you break it all down into simple, non-intimidating steps—so you can plan smarter and retire on your terms.
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