Your 30s are often called the “defining decade,” and for good reason. For most people, this is when the pieces of adult life start to lock into place: careers gain traction, relationships get serious, and big decisions start to feel real.
So it’s no surprise that a huge question tends to bubble up right around 29-and-three-quarters:
“How much money should I have saved by 30?”
Let’s walk through what the experts say, what the numbers actually mean, and how to catch up—no matter where you’re starting from.
📊 The Rule of Thumb: 1x Your Salary Saved by 30
Most financial planners agree on a basic benchmark:
By age 30, you should have the equivalent of one year’s salary saved.
So if you’re earning $70,000, your target savings would be $70,000 total across:
- Retirement accounts (401(k), Roth IRA, etc.)
- Emergency fund
- Other long-term investments
- High-yield savings
This number may sound intimidating but let’s break it down.
Why 1x Your Salary?
It’s not random. It’s part of a broader formula often used to estimate retirement readiness:
- 1x your salary by 30
- 3x by 40
- 6x by 50
- 8x by 60
- 10x by retirement age
Starting early gives compound interest the maximum time to do its thing. Save $5,000 at 25 and let it grow at 7% annually? You’ll have over $38,000 by 55 without adding another penny.
🧠 But Life Isn’t a Spreadsheet
Let’s be real: these benchmarks don’t account for the real-life rollercoaster of your 20s.
Maybe you…
- Took time off to travel or care for family
- Changed careers or went back to school
- Focused on crushing student debt
- Lived in a high-cost city with barely any room to save
All of that is valid.
The point isn’t where you are.
The point is where you’re headed.
🔍 Where Should Your Money Be by 30?
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what your finances might look like if you’re aiming for that 1x target:
| Category | Target by 30 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Fund | 3–6 months of expenses | In a high-yield savings account |
| Retirement Savings | $25,000–$50,000 | In a Roth IRA, 401(k), or both |
| Other Investments | $5,000–$15,000 | Index funds, brokerage accounts |
| Cash for Goals | $5,000+ | Travel, moving, starting a business |
| Total | ~$60,000–$80,000 | Adjust for your income and lifestyle |
This is just a sample. The most important thing is that your savings reflect your values and goals, not someone else’s timeline.
⏱️ Feeling Behind? You’re Not Alone & Here’s How to Catch Up
If you’re staring at your account balance and thinking, “I’m nowhere close,” take a breath. You’re not doomed. In fact, your 30s are the perfect time to hit reset.
Here’s a 5-step comeback plan:
Get Clarity on Your Current Financial Picture
Gather your account balances. Calculate your net worth. Most people are afraid to do this—but clarity is power.
Set a Realistic 12-Month Goal
Example: “I want to save $10,000 by next June.” That’s about $833/month or ~$28/day.
Small, consistent steps beat giant leaps every time.
Automate Your Savings
Treat saving like a bill. Set up automatic transfers from your checking to a savings or investment account on payday. You’ll never miss the money.
Increase Your Income
You can only cut so much from expenses. Increasing your income—through a raise, new job, freelance work, or a side hustle—has a far bigger impact over time.
Make Peace With the Past
Forgive yourself for financial choices you made with the information you had at the time. You’re not “behind”, you’re building.
🛠️ Tools to Help You Get There
At Your Money Mark, we believe financial wellness starts with clarity and momentum. Here are two simple tools to help you take action:
✅ Net Worth Calculator — Visualize your current financial position and set goals based on where you want to go.
✅ Target Savings Calculator — Figure out how much to save monthly to hit your next milestone.
🚀 Final Thought
Your 30s are not too late to build wealth. In fact, most people don’t get serious about money until they have to—and if you’re reading this, that means you’re already ahead of the game.
Instead of asking, “Am I behind?” ask:
👉 “What’s one step I can take this month to move forward?”
Build your own version of financial success. Not someone else’s.
And remember… your money doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be moving.
Want help building your next money milestone?
Let’s build your plan together—with tools, coaching, and zero judgment.
Your Money Mark 