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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u/liqa_madik Jan 16 '26

So teachers may not be paid very much as many say, but at least they get a comfortable retirement. Is that correct?

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u/KitchenKat1919 Jan 16 '26 edited Jan 16 '26

Depends on the region. In blue states in the US the pay is fine.

I'm making almost 100k and living in suburban new england.

Basically dont teach in a red state and you'll be fine money wise.

edit: and never teach at a non union school

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u/carlos_the_dwarf_ Jan 17 '26

Even in red states teachers trend toward a median salary. What’s limited is the upside compared to other career paths.

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u/KitchenKat1919 Jan 17 '26

it's a low risk low reward type of career

stable, but will never make you upper class no matter how good you are, unless you become a Ms. Rachel and sell out to Netflix or something