How Much Money Should I Have Saved by 35?

By Matthew Frankel, CFP – Updated Nov 25, 2025 at 3:38 PM | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Aim to save twice your annual income by age 35, approximately $130,000 for average earners.
Prioritize eliminating high-interest debt like credit cards to free funds for investment.
Contribute aggressively to retirement plans, aiming for 15-20% of pre-tax income.

When you're behind on saving money at age 35, it's not the end of the world. But it's also essential to make catching up a priority. You probably still have at least 25 to 30 years left until retirement. But every day you put off saving, you're missing out on the power of compound interest and earnings.

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An infographic outlining different ways to save more money at age 35. — Image source: The Motley Fool.

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Ignore what other people are doing

In your mid-30s, you'll often see a lot of your peers upgrading. Their houses get bigger and their cars and vacations get fancier. Social media often presents a misleading picture.

Focus on your own goals, even if that means living on the budget of a 20-something. Living a lifestyle you can afford, instead of one that's Insta-worthy, is the single best thing you can do to build meaningful wealth.

Expert Q&A

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About the Author

Matt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.

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