Two people can save the same percentage of income for retirement and still face very different futures. Their current balances, time until retirement, expected spending, pensions, and investment results may differ. A contribution rate is a useful starting measurement, but it cannot establish whether a plan is on track.

For the question below, divide your own annual retirement contributions by annual gross earned income, before taxes, and exclude employer contributions for now. Include both workplace contributions and money you put into an IRA; do not count market gains or rollovers. Use an estimate if necessary, then verify it from records.

These ranges organize planning questions, not pass-or-fail targets. Keep essential expenses, required debt payments, and accessible emergency money in view before raising contributions. Investment returns are uncertain, and a calculator's projection is not a promise that savings will cover every future expense.

How much of your income do you save for retirement?

Compare your own annual retirement contributions with gross earned income, excluding employer contributions, and choose the matching range.

0–5%More than 5%–10%More than 10%–15%Over 15%

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