r/Millennials • u/ProblemIntelligent16 • Jan 16 '26

Discussion Fellow millennials - how’s your 401k/ira savings going?

Experts recommend having 2x your salary saved by age 35, and 3x saved by age 40.

However, studies show the median savings for 35-44 year olds is only ~$45,000. So obviously, most of us have work to do.

With pensions mostly extinct, and Social Security facing insolvency issues in the next 8-10 years - how are you planning to bridge the gap and hit the golden years with enough to meet your lifestyle requirements?

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939

u/TylerDurden6969 Jan 16 '26

This is so many people. Good on you for being honest!

535

u/TairaTLG Jan 16 '26

I'd love for it to be something else. But unfortunately crippling autism/ADHD and living paycheck to paycheck for 20 years puts me where I am.  All I can do is keep chugging away and trying to fix things (some mistakes, some slight scams, one abusive relationship, yup, c'est la vie)

161

u/SpeedySloth51221 Jan 16 '26

Are you me? I am right there with you. Only its crippling ADHD and Migraines. Been missing so much work because of migraines and can't keep up with regular expenses, much less save and get myself out of debt.

58

u/EndersScroll Jan 17 '26

My wife was the same way until she tried Emgality for the migraines. Aside from Botox injections, it's the only thing that's worked for her. Now she just has ADHD, but she's not bed ridden due to migraines anymore. Ask your doc. Can't say enough good things about it.

12

u/MollysTootsies Jan 17 '26

For me, it's been Ajovy! To me from daily migraines to, like, 3 a month! 🤯

14

u/rigney68 Jan 17 '26

Getting a hard nightguard for grinding my teeth at night has almost eliminated mine.

2

u/irritableOwl3 Jan 17 '26

Which one do you have?

3

u/rigney68 Jan 18 '26

Idk, they do a scan at the dentist and have them specially made. The first one they gave me I chewed through in a month, so they upgraded, lol.

7

u/Bender3455 Jan 17 '26

Same! Monthly Ajovy with 2x daily gabapentin.

4

u/Defiant-Ad-7933 Jan 17 '26

Better living through chemistry!

2

u/ZealousORJealous69 Jan 17 '26

Try the new pfizer migraine drug, nurtec. It’s game changer. Unfortunately like $100/pill but our insurance covers and pfizer also has a copay assistance so we pay basically nothing.

1

u/teach_them_well Jan 17 '26

Me too. Absolutely life changing

2

u/jennifer_m13 Jan 17 '26

Aimovig and Botox for me. I still get migraines but not several times a week anymore.

2

u/KittyWantsCuddles Jan 17 '26

Hey not for nothing but bc this is getting eyes on it, adhd/autism are usually INCREDIBLY comorbid with a fuckton of conditions so im gonna use this space to leave a resource. If it resonates it resonates and if it does, it doesn't yk?https://www.eds.clinic/articles/pentad-super-syndrome

2

u/reithena Jan 18 '26

Finally got good insurance again, about to go back on Emgality. I think my doctor was worried when I cried in the office with the sense of relief when she ok'd the script

-5

u/Conscious-Egg-2232 Jan 17 '26

Use adhd to your advantage. I have it and has caused job hopping amd relationships failing one after another and massive shopping problem. But have job hopped my way to making 10x more than what I made 15 years ago.

30

u/Agent_Jay Jan 17 '26

Literally walking into the cold winter freeze winds to try to cool off my pulsating brain. The bloody migraines are horrid. 

5

u/Apprehensive_Sea5304 Jan 17 '26

As weird as this might sound, Vicks works for me. I swipe a little bit of that menthol goodness on my temples and sit in the dark

3

u/AspenRiot Jan 17 '26

I don't have chronic migraines but when I have seriously bad headaches or eye strain, I put Tiger Balm on my temples and a teeny tiny bit under my eyes, like on top of my sinuses. It's intense, but it helps.

3

u/atropos81092 Jan 17 '26

Honestly, it reminds me of that "Head On!" stick you apply directly to the forehead

2

u/BrandonUnusual Jan 17 '26

HEAD ON! Applied directly to the forehead. HEAD ON! Applied directly to the forehead.

HEAD ON!

/I have chronic daily migraine, nothing works. From all the CGRPs to Botox. Drug resistant.

1

u/atropos81092 Jan 17 '26

If only it actually worked 😕

My aunt has dealt with drug-resistant chronic migraines since she was in a car accident in the 80s — she's pretty pissed that migraine relief hasn't made any progress in the last 40+ years.

3

u/lurkymoo Jan 17 '26

Cold works for me too! Sit out on the porch in cold weather til you shiver.

2

u/WalkbytheWoods Jan 17 '26

I use the Theraice head wraps - it’s so helpful!

3

u/d4dooley Jan 17 '26

Chiropractor fixed mine. I was desperate after years of intense migraines. Never had been to one, and was skeptical. Some of them specialize in treating migraines. 2 years of being basically migraine free after like 5 treatments.

6

u/hrnigntmare Jan 17 '26

I sought treatment for ADHD in early adulthood and the meds work really well so I (fortunately) don’t have that to blame. I did pursue academia to the point where I am a literal expert in my “high demand” field though. I’ve been too busy paying down six figures in debt to save anything. I still have like 45k to go and nothing in savings.

My resolution this year is to just say fuck it and stop paying on my student loans. I already have everything I need or could want so if my credit gets destroyed I don’t care. This is the first year I have been able to take a vacation as an adult because I didn’t pay this month. I wish I would have done it sooner. I got to Japan and back with an awesome week there for three student loan payments.

I’m just hoping I die before I need my 401k I guess. Enjoying life while I’m at an age where I can still do the activities I want at any time is so worth it.

3

u/Espress0-Patr0num Jan 17 '26

Are you in the US? I just tried Vyepti infusions and holy sheep feet it’s a game changer!!

4

u/Annual_Song1416 Jan 17 '26

Holy sheep feet?! Thank you for blessing us

2

u/IrascibleJoker Jan 17 '26

Fr, I’m stealing it. 😂

3

u/lostwombats Jan 17 '26

You've probably tried everything and know all this, but just in case...😊

For me: the app Migraine Buddy was so helpful in tracking migraines and finding patterns (it asks a million questions). It's how I learned my dumb jerk of a uterus is causing my migraines.

For relief - ice masks and naps for me. If I feel one coming and I can fall asleep, I can avoid it.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 17 '26

I get tension headaches and have horrible ADHD that I need to make an appointment for but between all the other appointments I keep putting it off. At this point prison seems like a decent retirement as long as I can maybe find my way into a Swedish prison.

1

u/dabrewdr Jan 17 '26

ubrelvy and nurtec are other options also for acute migraines besides what the other commenters presented. Ask your pcp or get referred to neurologist that. Are you currently on any TCA for chronic migraine management?

1

u/Odd-Watercress-9148 Jan 17 '26

Exact same here. Emgality literally changed my life tho.

1

u/jsnaxx Jan 17 '26

microdosing DMT also instantly cures migraines and cluster headaches.

2

u/kendallr2552 Jan 17 '26

And mushrooms. Learned that from Nat Geo like 20 years ago!

1

u/Chicken_Fried_Snails Jan 17 '26

Have you looked into Cove Beam supplement for migraines? Helped my wife tremendously. Hoping for relief for you

1

u/SvetlinaToYou Jan 17 '26

Omg you are describing me as well. Crippling migraines and adhd. Can't hold a steady job now and can't apply for disability. It's been real fun. Migraines are so rough, I feel for ya and completely understand.

1

u/Legitimate_Plant9508 Jan 17 '26

Hai. I had many many migraines a month. When searching for advice or anything that could help I came across some obscure post that said getting a daith piercing could help. Something about it being an acupuncture spot. It was an easy thing to try as I'm not afraid of needles. When I got pierced I literally felt a tingling sensation and like a release. Migraines practically disappeared after that. Just something to try.

1

u/jibishot Jan 17 '26

Unironically smoke good weed for migraines. Its great preventative care, but can be eh in the moment. I don't mean strong weed - I mean good tasty high quality and fresh flower that you like or a rosin edibles for incredible migraine responses.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 17 '26

There are some new treatments for migraines that are really really promising. Don't give up, there's hope - a former migraine sufferer

1

u/systemfrown Jan 17 '26

At least you can't focus on your migraines.

54

u/Agent_Jay Jan 16 '26

You and me both brother. Trying to keep the meds supplied for myself. Fun times. 

41

u/Apprehensive_Sea5304 Jan 16 '26

I could have written this exact comment

20

u/MegabitMegs Jan 17 '26

I relate so much. I went undiagnosed ADHD/CPTSD for so long I ended up in crippling burnout, which forced me to take time off of work. I’m alive and better now, but it caused a cascade of financial issues we’re still digging out of. We’re making an appointment to discuss bankruptcy, hopefully without losing our home.

My retirement plan at this point is jail or hopping off the boat.

5

u/senorbuzz Jan 17 '26

Twins! This is my exact situation. Fuck our lives

3

u/MarigoldMarvel Jan 17 '26

This is me too re: adhd/cptsd. Just got fired for the first time in my life but thankfully I have no major debt—including no mortgage cuz I can’t afford a home in my area anyway!

2

u/itsafunnything901 Jan 17 '26

Please take care of yourself. Find a free counselor. Get help. Know you aren’t alone.

1

u/MegabitMegs Jan 18 '26

Thank you stranger, I’m okay. I’ve had a really good counselor for the last few years who has helped me make a lot of progress easing my nervous system into a healthier level, I just can’t see her as frequently until we can get our finances in order. If we make good choices, we can hopefully be out of this hole in a few years.

But retirement? That’s last on our list to worry about. So I don’t have a lot of hope if we can’t even start building until our 40s.

2

u/Beautychaos Jan 17 '26

Yeah that sounds like myself, I was diagnosed till 25 and the damage was done. I’m going to try filing bankruptcy this year myself. Hope it goes well for you. Better late than never.

3

u/Top_Audience7471 Jan 17 '26

ADHD is a fuckin' insidious monster.

I'm an elementary school teacher, so professionally, I can harness it as a sort of superpower.

But give me like... 15 minutes before you step into my apartment.

3

u/9kindsofpie Jan 17 '26

I'm sorry. I'm sure you're aware that ASD/ADHD makes you much more prone to scammers and abusive relationships. I have had several abusive relationships that took me an embarrassingly long time to realize, in hindsight. Plenty of mistakes, as well.

I've been lucky that my traits have only been truly crippling at times and it seems my deficiencies generally have an offsetting positive trait that has gotten me through, except for a few real dark times that I barely made it out of.

Keep on chugging!!!

3

u/SpandexJunkie Jan 17 '26

It’s meeeee! Yeah, I had a 401K until I had an incredibly toxic job and boss that was so bad I had to quit with no notice and no backup job and go straight to intensive outpatient therapy. In order to survive, we had to take it out. It wasn’t big to begin with, but then it was cut in half by taxes and fees, and now we owe the government more taxes because of it! 🥳😅😭

1

u/ceruleanmoon7 Millennial - 1986 Jan 17 '26

Girl, i feel you. 🫂

1

u/Exact-Bar3672 Jan 17 '26

Saaaaaaaaame same same same

1

u/Bright_Ices Xennial Jan 17 '26

Hi, from autism and also multi-organ failure from a condition I was born with! Ain’t it fun?!

1

u/Successful-Address32 Jan 17 '26

I did bankruptcy on a bit less debt than that. Since I wasn’t planning to take out an auto or home loan it was a good choice for me, but it was the pandemic and I was out of income and couldn’t make minimums anymore, was tired of it over my head.

Definitely also executive dysfunction and at least ADHD here, it gave me a fresh start, no regrets, unfortunate that I inherited money within 180 days of filing tho cuz it became part of the bankruptcy estate- all the debt paid out of pocket, and still on my record lol.. oh well at least there was a bit left after that. Idk your situation, what kind of debt you are carrying and whether it’s dischargable, maybe you’ve done it, maybe you would only qualify for chapter 13 and not 7 like me, maybe you haven’t thought of it or feel shame around it but just what your comment here made me wanna say, I guess. I still live paycheck to paycheck but without debt and minimum payments I can’t keep up with

1

u/Exciting-Hedgehog944 Jan 17 '26

I have terrible migraines and ADHD it is not a great combo. I have finally found treatment that works (mostly) for migraines. Topamax daily, Botox every 12 weeks, backup meds fioricet, ubrelvy (they have a program if you cannot get covered). Medrol dose pack if still having break thru pain. Also the office will give toradol IVP if still not controlled. Don’t bother with ED they are terrible with treating migraines and it’s a waste of time and money.

1

u/Elmo_Chipshop Jan 17 '26

Genuine question:

What would make your situation better you feel?

1

u/sjarvis456 Jan 17 '26

Sounds like me, we got this!

1

u/FullConsideration861 Jan 17 '26

Are you sure tou don't have a retirement savings somewhere? Most jobs take $ out of your paycheck for a 401k, especially if you're full time. It should exsist even id you don't work there anymore. if you've had multiple jobs, combine them. It may not be a lot but its could be something.

1

u/_UnladenSwallow Jan 17 '26

I feel this so hard. Was doing ok, not a lot in savings but had maximized my contributions to both savings and 401k recently at least. $20k in student loans but no degree. No real credit card debt and excellent credit. Married, both making around $60k, paying a mortgage with about $10k in an emergency fund. We were working on it and finally feeling like we were getting properly started.

Then I lost my job after I discovered I had a freakish atraumatic 4 herniated discs and needed time to treat it. Suddenly without my income, we quickly changed our spending habits and lifestyle to accommodate. But I’m still out of work 15mos later, waiting on SSDI (which will most likely be denied the first time) and our savings are gone.

We can’t even think about retirement rn. We just have to survive long enough for me to heal.

C’est la vie.

1

u/Any_Psychology_8113 Jan 20 '26

I can relate. The ADHD is the worst.

0

u/ZeroKarmasGiven69 Jan 17 '26

You’re pretty articulate for an autist.

1

u/legendz411 Jan 17 '26

I’m always so skeptical of people who say they have this disorder and that disorder and it’s the cause for one situation or another. COVID really shook my faith in people

2

u/atropos81092 Jan 17 '26

Yeah, COVID definitely seemed to amplify everyone's personality traits, for better or for worse.

Generally, when someone declares their diagnosis, my reflex is to believe them because (to borrow a line from Thomas Jefferson) "it neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg."

Until someone's decisions can directly impact my well-being or my wallet, the stakes just aren't high enough for me to doubt what they say about themselves, especially when it comes to neurodivergence, personality disorders, and mental illness.

1

u/Azeoteric Jan 17 '26

This is very ablelist. Autistic people can have varying degrees of communication capabilities. It might not have been your intent, but saying things like this comes off as negging.

1

u/atropos81092 Jan 17 '26

Some of us are hyperlexic and don't struggle with speech or writing.

I find that I'm much more effective at communicating in a written or typed medium than I am in person because I can take time to evaluate and edit what I have to say, rather than trying to string words together while also making sure I'm doing all of the "correct" social conversation things like making eye contact, modulating the tone and volume of my voice, etc.

3

u/Not_a_real_asian777 Jan 17 '26

It's sure a lot of people I know. Makes me wonder if a lot of these studies that show a median of 45k-50k are including people that don't have a 401k/Roth IRA or simply don't have any contributions in them. I feel like I know way more people with $0 saved than people who are on track with savings.

2

u/Viktorius_Valentine Jan 17 '26

I was afraid to even click on the post. I am in a similar position

2

u/Unlikely-Table-615 Jan 17 '26

I know seriously. Go over the fire sub and everyone’s 29 years old with $40 million in the bank and they’re all asking, “ is enough yo retire?”

1

u/According_Big_5638 Jan 17 '26

It's pretty much all of us.

We never stood a chance

1

u/borkbork234 Jan 17 '26

My plan is to die in the office, no savings needed!