Does home equity count?

Toward net worth, yes. Toward retirement savings benchmarks, no. The Fidelity 1×-by-30 figure is investment accounts only, because home equity isn't a withdrawal source in retirement.

What if I started saving at 28?

You're not behind by much. Two years of compounding at 30 is roughly 5% of your eventual balance. Get to 15% savings now and you can still hit 10× by 67.

Is $100k by 30 realistic?

Yes for high earners who started at 22 and saved 20%+. The 'first $100k by 30' goal is popular in personal-finance circles because it sets up the compounding cross-over described in our $100k savings answer.

Answer · Saving

How much should I have in savings by age 30?

By Yinka Olayokun Published May 12, 2026 Reviewed May 12, 2026

Direct Answer

Common benchmark: 1× your annual salary saved by age 30 (Fidelity), counting retirement plus liquid savings. On a $60,000 salary, that's $60,000. Realistically, the U.S. median net worth at age 30 is closer to $35,000–$45,000. If you're behind, the biggest lever is raising your savings rate to 15–20% rather than chasing return.

Age-30 savings benchmarks

Source	By age 30	Notes
Fidelity	1× salary	Total retirement savings
T. Rowe Price	0.5–1.5× salary	Range based on saving start age
U.S. median (Fed SCF)	~$35k–$45k net worth	Includes all assets minus debts

Why benchmarks vary so much

Fidelity's 1× target assumes saving started at 25 at 15% of income. Most Americans don't, which is why the realised median is lower than the benchmark. The benchmark isn't a verdict on you, it's a planning marker for whether you're on track for a normal-age retirement.

Priorities at 30 if you're behind

Order: (1) capture full 401(k) match, (2) build 3-month emergency fund, (3) eliminate any debt above 7%, (4) Roth IRA up to $7,000, (5) back to 401(k) toward the $23,500 cap. Skip taxable brokerage until 1-4 are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does home equity count?: Toward net worth, yes. Toward retirement savings benchmarks, no. The Fidelity 1×-by-30 figure is investment accounts only, because home equity isn't a withdrawal source in retirement.
What if I started saving at 28?: You're not behind by much. Two years of compounding at 30 is roughly 5% of your eventual balance. Get to 15% savings now and you can still hit 10× by 67.
Is $100k by 30 realistic?: Yes for high earners who started at 22 and saved 20%+. The 'first $100k by 30' goal is popular in personal-finance circles because it sets up the compounding cross-over described in our $100k savings answer.

Sources

Fidelity retirement savings factors , Fidelity Investments. Verified April 30, 2026.
Survey of Consumer Finances , Federal Reserve Board. Verified April 30, 2026.

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