Dr. Sunil Patel

A recent survey found Americans think they need $1.46M for a comfortable retirement, but the retired CPA said that figure is only an average.
The main planning step is estimating your own retirement expenses, since many people spend less after work costs disappear and only key categories remain.
Then total expected income from government benefits, pensions, part-time work, and investments to see how much of the gap savings must cover yearly.
A common ~4% rule suggests $500K in savings could support ~$20K in yearly withdrawals, which can complement other income for many retirees.
The broader message: retirement stays flexible through downsizing, part-time work, changing spending, and public health coverage, so a big headline number should not drive panic.

Your Retirement Number Is Personal

In Late-Q2 2026, cost of living led financial stress for 58% of US workers, ahead of retirement savings, 12%, and emergency funds, 9%.
Money strain affected daily work in Late-Q2: 64% reported stress, 15% said productivity suffered, 10% struggled to concentrate, and 3% missed work entirely.
Emergency savings remained a pressure point: 23% lacked basic-need reserves, and workers under 40 were three times likelier than over-50 peers to report productivity drops.
Family caregiving added pressure: 27% of US workers supported adult relatives, and among them, 34% reported financial strain, 27% mental strain, 13% productivity loss.
Benefit knowledge and support mattered: 46% did not strongly understand workplace savings plans, and 49% wanted more retirement, pension, or savings guidance.