How Much Cardinal Employees Usually Have Saved by Each Age

What I’ve learned after more than a decade of working with Cardinal professionals 

One of the most common questions I hear from Cardinal employees is some version of:

“Am I on track?”

While there’s no real way to know you’re on track without knowing your goals, investments, contribution rates, etc. I can provide some general rules of thumb we see for Cardinal employees who are trending to meet their retirement and other financial goals. These are not rigid targets. They are patterns that consistently show up among people who retire comfortably after careers at Cardinal.

These targets are also geared toward individuals aiming for a traditional retirement age. My Cardinal clients who are trending toward a retirement in their fifties are often ahead of these targets, simply because earlier retirement requires a stronger savings trajectory.

Age 35: 1× your salary saved

Up to this point, most of you have your first $100K or more saved up for retirement.  That’s the hardest bit to get going as you’ve not had the power of long-term compounding working for you.

If you’re around 1× your salary saved by now, you’re right in line with what I often see among your peers.

Age 45: 2–3× your salary saved

You’re now, typically, in the earlier years of your peak income, but also have heavy demands for this income.  Many of my clients at this stage are juggling expensive teenage/young adult years for their children, trying to work in larger vacations/experiences, etc.

If you’re somewhere between 2× and 3× your salary saved, you’re tracking with many of the Cardinal clients I work with. This range reflects the reality that these years often feel financially stretched even as your long-term savings quietly accelerate.

Age 55: 5–7× your salary saved

This is often the time when the financial picture really clears.  Many clients are still in their peak earning years, some family related expenses have begun to soften and attention turns towards a retirement that no longer seems so far away.

If you’re in the 5–7× range, you’re in a very strong position. Most Cardinal employees who retire comfortably fall somewhere in this band by their mid-fifties.

Age 60+: 8–10× your salary saved

If not already retired, most of my clients are now making those final preparations to do so.  Home updates, bolstering those retirement accounts and nailing down what you’re retiring to vs retiring from are being ironed out.

If you’re in this 8-10X range you’re likely in a position to retire with confidence, depending on your lifestyle and goals. At this point, the conversation shifts from building a nest egg to understanding timing, distribution strategy, and what a meaningful next chapter looks like.

The real point

These savings rates are not one size fits all but are estimates you can reference to let you know roughly where you stand. They are meant to provide orientation, not pressure.

Some of you might be way ahead by heavily delaying gratification or having high incomes while in your earlier years.  Others might have received parental assistance, inheritance, etc.  If so, that’s wonderful and may provide the opportunity for early retirement, career change options, passion projects, etc.

And, if you are behind, know that’s not in any way a verdict.  It’s a single data point that suggests some adjustments may be necessary.  I can assure you that many Cardinal clients were not on track when we first met yet are now firmly on track after making changes over time.

At the end of the day, the goal is not to hit a perfect number. The goal is to understand where you stand, make thoughtful adjustments when needed, and build a future that enables you to meet your goals with clarity and confidence.

If you ever want to talk through your Cardinal benefits or your own situation, you’re welcome to schedule a relaxed Q&A. No cost, no pressure, and no expectation to meet again — just a chance to talk things through. CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE 

Take care and, as always, stay the course.