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If you’re planning to take out a $700,000 mortgage, you’re going to need an annual income of around $180,000 – $200,000.

Because a loan this size typically results in a sizable monthly payment, lenders look closely at not only your income, but also your debt levels, credit history, and down payment to determine what you can afford. Using common affordability guidelines can help you estimate how much you might need to earn to comfortably support a mortgage at this price point.

Income Needed for a $700,000 Mortgage

While there’s no set income level required for a $700,000 mortgage loan, a mortgage that large is likely to have a hefty monthly payment, which means you’ll need some decent cash flow to be able to make it work.

One rule of thumb states that your housing costs should be no more than 30% of your gross monthly income — that is, your income before taxes or any other deductions. We can use this rule to estimate how much income you need to make a $700,000 mortgage payment feasible.

How Much Do You Need to Make to Get a $700K Mortgage?

Let’s start by using a mortgage calculator to get a rough estimate of how much money per month a $700,000 mortgage will cost.

To create an example, we’ll assume the property value is $750,000, and that you start out with a $50,000 down payment. We’ll assume a 7% interest rate and 30-year loan term.

Plugging those numbers into the calculator, you’ll see that the estimated monthly payment comes out to about $4,657 per month. To make our 30% rule above even simpler, we can multiply that total by three to get a low-end ballpark income that’s appropriate for a payment that large. That figure comes to around $170,000 per year. Keep in mind, though, that this figure doesn’t include taxes and insurance, which can add an appreciable amount to that monthly bill.

And if you’re putting down a smaller down payment, you’ll also have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). Add all that to the mix and you’re looking at an annual income requirement that is closer to $180,000 – $200,000.

Recommended: The Best Affordable Places to Live by State

What Determines How Much House You Can Afford?

Income is obviously an important part of what qualifies you for a mortgage. After all, lenders are interested in your being able to repay the loan over time. However, your ability to earn enough money to support the payment is only one factor that goes into their overall assessment. While each lender has its own specific requirements and criteria, they all look at similar factors.

What Mortgage Lenders Look For

Some of the factors lenders consider when qualifying a borrower for a mortgage include:

•   Income

•   Job stability

•   Credit history and credit score

•   Existing debt

•   Existing assets, such as bank and investment accounts

•   Money available for down payment

To verify all this information, your mortgage loan officer will likely ask for documentation such as your tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and potentially more. Speak with your loan officer directly to learn exactly what you’ll need to submit as part of the mortgage preapproval process.

What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Let’s take a closer look at one very important part of your mortgage application: your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. This important measurement is expressed as a percentage, and shows lenders how the debt you already carry compares to your available monthly income. It’s calculated by dividing your monthly debts over your gross monthly income.

While, again, specific requirements vary, most lenders require a DTI of 36% or lower, though in some cases borrowers can be qualified with a DTI of up to 50%. Generally speaking, though, the lower your DTI, the better; even if you can qualify with a higher amount of debt, it’ll be more difficult to make your monthly payments.

$700,000 Mortgage Breakdown Examples

As we’ve seen above, in order to qualify for a $700,000 mortgage, you’ll likely need a household income of at least about $180,000 per year — although again, whether or not you qualify will depend on many factors aside from your income, like your credit score and existing level of debt.

One way to get a good sense of how much house you can afford at your current income level is to use a home affordability calculator. With this calculator, you can include costs like homeowners insurance and property taxes, along with your income and existing debts. The calculator will spit out an estimate of how much house you can afford given all these circumstances — but remember, again, that this is only an estimate and not a guarantee.

Pros and Cons of a $700,000 Mortgage

Like any financial product (and anything in life), a $700,000 mortgage has both drawbacks and benefits to consider. Here are a few to keep in mind.

How Much Will You Need for a Down Payment?

A 20% down payment is recommended to avoid private mortgage insurance, but on a property listed for $700,000, that’s a decent chunk to save up ($140,000).

However, these days, even conventional loans allow some first-time borrowers to put down as little as 3% on their home purchase — which, in this case, comes out to a far more reasonable $21,000. Borrowers who put down less than 20% will likely be required to pay PMI, which can add a few hundred dollars a month to your mortgage payment. Still, for those who have the cash flow to support this additional cost, it can be a worthy trade for earlier access to homeownership.

Can You Buy a $700K Home With No Money Down?

Some mortgage programs do allow borrowers to take out a mortgage with no money down — though you may have to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify. For example, government-backed loans from the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans don’t have a minimum required down payment, though these are only available to service members, veterans, and their families or to those looking in designated rural areas, respectively.

Is a $700K Mortgage With No Down Payment a Good Idea?

Even if you do qualify for a $700,000 mortgage with no down payment, it may not be the best idea financially speaking. Along with potentially being on the hook for the additional expense of mortgage insurance, you’ll start out with very low equity in your new investment, and your monthly payments may be substantially higher than they would be otherwise.

Can You Buy a $700K Home With a Small Down Payment?

Your ability to qualify for a mortgage is multifactorial, and the size of your down payment is only one of the many pieces mortgage lenders will consider. If the rest of your application is solid, a lender may qualify you for a $700,000 mortgage with a down payment as low as 3% ($21,000) if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Again, though, the only way to know for sure is to actually apply.

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

If you’re struggling to qualify for a $700K mortgage, there are steps you can take to improve your qualifications as a borrower.

Pay Off Debt

It may be one of the most common tips to qualify for a mortgage — but it’s for good reason. Having even a small amount of debt can seriously impact your buying power, so paying off what you can and lowering your DTI can go a long way toward making a larger mortgage possible.

Look into First-Time Homebuyer Programs

If you’re a first-time buyer, it’s worth looking into first-time buyer programs that may be able to help you with your down payment or qualify you for a mortgage when you might otherwise not. One of the best-known first-time homebuyer programs is the FHA mortgage, which is backed by the Federal Housing Administration and may help you qualify even with a lower credit score.

Build Up Credit

Along with lowering your overall debt, building up your credit score can also help you qualify for a lower interest rate — which, over the course of a 30-year loan, can translate to big savings. Even a percentage point difference could save you thousands of dollars in the long run, so taking the time to repair or strengthen your credit today may be a well-placed effort.

Start Budgeting

If you don’t yet have a budget, the time before you purchase a home is a great time to start one. After all, homeownership usually comes with its own slate of expenses, from repairs to maintenance items and more, so ensuring you know where your money is going will help you prepare to meet those financial needs.

Alternatives to Conventional Mortgage Loans

While conventional mortgages are the most common — and one of the most affordable options for those who qualify — there are different types of mortgage loans to consider.

For example, as discussed, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may be able to qualify for an FHA loan from the Federal Housing Administration, which helps buyers qualify with lower credit scores than a conventional loan requires.

USDA and VA loans are also viable options for those looking in rural areas or who are (or are married to) service members or veterans.

The Takeaway

Qualifying for a $700,000 mortgage generally means having a solid income, often in the range of about $180,000 to $200,000 per year, assuming typical interest rates, down payments, and acceptable debt levels. However, income alone doesn’t tell the whole story — lenders also consider your credit history, debt-to-income ratio, job stability, and available assets when determining what you can afford.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

How much income do I need for a $700K mortgage?

While there’s no one set income level that will automatically qualify you for a $700,000 mortgage, using the rule of thumb that your housing payment should be no more than a third of your gross monthly income, you’ll likely need somewhere between $180,000 and $200,000 per year to qualify, depending on other factors like your interest rate.

What is the monthly payment on a $700K mortgage?

Specific payment amounts depend on a wide range of factors including the interest rate you qualify for, the property taxes in your location, and the size of your down payment. In an example where you’re purchasing a $750,000 home with a $50,000 down payment at a 7% interest rate, your monthly payment would be close to $4,700 before insurance or taxes.

Can I afford a million-dollar home if I make $100K?

How much money you make is only one factor that qualifies you for a mortgage — no matter its size. That said, because of the size of the monthly payment of a large mortgage, a $100,000 salary likely wouldn’t be enough to get you into a million-dollar home (unless you had a substantial down payment).

Photo credit: iStock/DMP

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOHL-Q126-091

Even in a hot real estate market, it’s possible to learn how to buy a house with no money down. Zero-down home loans aren’t available everywhere and to every borrower, but if you do qualify and can find an area with a zero-down mortgage, homeownership could be much more attainable.

Here’s exactly what you need to know about how to buy a house with no money down.

Can You Buy a House With No Money Down?

It is possible to buy a house with no money down in certain situations. Some government-backed loans, such as VA and USDA mortgages, offer 0% down options for eligible borrowers. Buyers may also use down payment assistance programs or seller concessions, though credit, income, and eligibility requirements still apply.

Recommended: First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Loans

How to Buy a House With No Money

There are a few avenues you can take to get a mortgage loan and buy a home with no money down, including:

•   Buy a home with a VA or USDA loan. These loans, from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, do not require a down payment.

•   Receive assistance for your down payment or closing costs from a state or local program or a family member.

•   Receive a lender credit.

•   Ask for a seller concession.

Note: SoFi does not offer USDA loans at this time. However, SoFi does offer FHA, VA, and conventional loan options.

USDA Loan

A USDA loan requires no money down and is intended for buyers in rural areas. There are two ways the U.S. Department of Agriculture loans money:

•   Single-family housing direct loans

•   Single-family housing guaranteed program

The direct loans are issued by the USDA and come with a 33-year term for low- and very-low-income households. (Very-low-income applicants may stretch the repayment term to 38 years.) The guaranteed program is run through approved lenders with a 30-year fixed rate for low- to moderate-income households.

VA Loan

A VA loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is a zero down payment mortgage with low interest rates for qualified veterans, active-duty service members, certain reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses. Most borrowers pay a one-time funding fee, which can be rolled into the loan. Lenders can be more flexible with credit scores, mortgage amounts, and debt-to-income ratios.

Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Programs

Many city and state agencies offer different mortgage types and down payment assistance to buyers, especially low- to moderate-income homebuyers, first-time homebuyers, veterans, and people buying in federally targeted areas.

The terms vary. Sometimes the assistance for a down payment is in the form of a second mortgage that is repaid over time. Other terms include deferred payments that are only due if the property is sold, loans that are forgivable if the property is occupied by an owner for a specified amount of time, and even grants.

HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, steers homebuyers to city, state, and nonprofit programs that offer down payment assistance.

Down Payment Gift From a Family Member

A down payment gift from a family member can also help you buy a house with no money down. The main thing to remember about a down payment gift from a family member is that the money must be properly documented with a gift letter. Your lender will likely provide a template to make sure you have all the crucial elements included.

Lender Credits

Lender credits are what you get when you agree to pay a higher interest rate in return for some money that the lender contributes toward your closing costs. The more lender credits you receive, the higher your rate will be. With some lenders, you can cover your closing costs entirely with lender credits. This is a common practice when refinancing a loan.

Seller Concessions

One strategy real estate agents have used is to ask for a credit from the seller, to be contributed toward the buyer’s closing costs. Making an offer above asking price in tandem with the seller concessions makes this option more palatable for sellers in a competitive housing market.

Recommended: Home Loan Help Center

The Takeaway

Buying a house with no money down takes some research, but could be well worth your time. With a VA or USDA loan, down payment assistance, gift money, or lender credits, it is possible to obtain a no money down mortgage. Qualifying first-time buyers can also still catch a break with a conventional mortgage loan — some lenders will let you put just 3% down.

Looking for an affordable option for a home mortgage loan? SoFi can help: We offer low down payments (as little as 3% - 5%*) with our competitive and flexible home mortgage loans. Plus, applying is extra convenient: It's online, with access to one-on-one help.

FAQ

Can cash gifts be used as a down payment?

Yes, but certain rules must be followed for the gift to be documented by the lender, usually in the form of a gift letter.

Are there any homebuyer grants?

Sometimes, but they’re usually reserved for first-time buyers, veterans, or people buying homes in federally targeted areas. You might start a search for assistance with your state housing finance agency or HUD and then look for city and county programs.

What are down payment assistance programs?

Down payment assistance programs help homebuyers afford down payments and sometimes closing costs as well. This is done in the form of grants and loans, and can vary by location.

What credit score do I need to buy a house with no money down?

For a zero down mortgage backed by the USDA or VA, lenders are advised to look at a borrower’s situation case by case. Approved USDA loan lenders usually require a minimum credit score of 640, though the department itself doesn’t have a credit score requirement.

Most VA loan lenders will want to see a credit score above 620, but again, the VA does not have a minimum credit score. Applicants may qualify with a score below 620 when debt, income, and the ability to shoulder future mortgage payments are given a close look.

Down payment assistance programs often require a minimum credit score of 620.

Photo credit: iStock/Paperkites

SoFi Mortgages
Terms, conditions, and state restrictions apply. Not all products are available in all states. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOHL-Q126-082

Between paying for your regular expenses including groceries, rent or mortgage, student loans, and bills, it can seem nearly impossible to find a few dollars left over for saving for retirement — especially when that might be decades away. However, building up a nest egg isn’t just important, it’s urgent. The sooner you start, the more financially secure you should be by the time retirement rolls around.

So, how to save for retirement? Finding a solid retirement plan to suit your needs may be easier than you think. Here are 10 ways to save for retirement to help make those golden years feel, well, golden.

This article is part of SoFi’s Retirement Planning Guide, our coverage of all the steps you need to create a successful retirement plan.

Assess Your Retirement Goals and Needs

When it comes to saving for retirement, first do an inventory of your current financial situation. This includes your income, savings, and investments, as well as your expenses and debts. That way you’ll know how much you have now.

Next, figure out what you want your retirement to look like. Are you wondering how to retire early? Do you plan to travel? Move to a different location? Pursue hobbies like tennis, golf, or biking? Go back to school? Start a business?

You may not be able to answer these questions quickly or easily, but it’s important to think about them to determine your retirement goals. Deciding what you want your lifestyle to look like is key because it will affect how much money you’ll need for retirement saving.

💡 Quick Tip: Before opening an investment account, know your investment objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. These fundamentals will help keep your strategy on track and with the aim of meeting your goals.

Determine How Much You’ll Need to Retire

Now the big question: How much money will it take for you to retire comfortably? You may also be wondering, when can I retire? There are several retirement savings formulas that can help you estimate the amount of your nest egg. And there are various calculators that can help generate an estimate as well.

While using a ballpark figure may not sound scientific, it’s a good exercise that can help lay the foundation for the amount you want to save. And it may inspire you to save more, or rethink your investment strategy thus far.

As an example, you can use the following basic formula to gauge the amount you might need to save, assuming your retirement expenses are similar to your present ones. Start with your current annual income, subtract your estimated annual Social Security benefits, and divide by 0.04.

That’s the target amount of retirement savings you would need, theoretically, to cover your expenses based on current levels. Bear in mind, however, that you may not need to replace 100% of your current income, as your expenses in retirement could be lower. And you may even be contemplating working after retirement. But this is one way to start doing the math.

10 Ways to Save For Retirement

So, how to save money for retirement? Consider the following 10 options part of your retirement savings toolkit.

1. Leverage the Power of Time

Giving your money as much time to grow as you possibly can is one of the most important ways to boost retirement savings. The reason: Compounding returns.

Let’s say you invest $500 in a mutual fund in your retirement account, and in a year the fund gained 5%. Now you would have $525 (minus any investment or account fees). While there are no guarantees that the money would continue to gain 5% every year — investments can also lose money — historically, the average stock market return of the S&P 500 is about 10% per year.

That might mean 0% one year, 10% another year, 3% the year after, and so on. But over time your principal would likely continue to grow, and the earnings on that principal would also grow. That’s compound growth.

2. Create and Stick to a Budget

Another important step in saving for retirement is to create a budget and stick to it. Calculating your own monthly budget can be simple — just follow these steps.

•   Gather your documents. Gather up all your bills including credit cards, loans, mortgage or rent, so that you can document every penny coming out of your pocket each month.

•   List all of your income. Find your pay stubs and add up any extra cash you make on the side using your after-tax take-home pay.

•   List all of your current savings. From here, you can see how far you have to go until you reach your retirement goals.

•   Calculate your retirement spending. Decide how much money you need to live comfortably in retirement so that you can establish a retirement budget. If you’re unsure of what your ideal retirement number is, plug your numbers into the formula mentioned above, or use a retirement calculator to get a better idea of what your retirement budget will be.

•   Adjust accordingly. Every few months take a look at your budget and make sure you’re staying on track. If a new bill comes up, an expensive life event occurs, or if you gain new income, adjust your budgets and keep saving what you can.

3. Take Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans

Preparing for retirement should begin the moment you start your first job — or any job that offers a company retirement plan. There are many advantages to contributing to a 401(k) program (if you work at a for-profit company) or a 403(b) plan (if you work for a nonprofit), or a 457(b) plan (if you work for the government).

In many cases, your employer can automatically deduct your contributions from your paycheck, so you don’t have to think about it. This can help you save more, effortlessly. And in some cases your employer may offer a matching contribution: e.g. up to 3% of the amount you save.

Starting a 401(k) savings program early in life can really add up in the future thanks to compound growth over time. In addition, starting earlier can help your portfolio weather changes in the market.

On the other hand, if you happen to start your retirement savings plan later in life, you can always take advantage of catch-up contributions that go beyond the 2025 annual contribution limit of $23,500 and the 2026 annual contribution limit of $24,500. Individuals 50 and older are allowed to contribute an additional $7,500 to a 401(k) in 2025 and $8,000 in 2026 to help them save a bit more before hitting retirement age. Those aged 60 to 63 may contribute an additional $11,250 in 2025 and 2026 (instead of $7,500 and $8,000, respectively) thanks to SECURE 2.0.

If you have a 403(b) retirement plan, it’s similar to a 401(k) in terms of the contribution limit and automatic deductions from your paycheck. Your employer may or may not match your contributions. However, the range of investment options you have to choose from may be more limited than those offered in a 401(k).

With a 457(b) plan, the contribution limit is similar to that of a 403(b). But employers don’t have to provide matching contributions for a 457(b) plan, and again, the investment options may be narrower than the options in a 401(k).

4. Add an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to the Mix

Another strategy for how to save for retirement, especially if you’re one of the many freelancers or contract workers in the American workforce, is to open an IRA account.

Like a 401(k), an IRA allows you to put away money for your retirement. However, the maximum contribution you can put into your IRA caps at $7,000 ($8,000 for those 50 and older) in 2025, and $7,500 ($8,600 for those 50-plus) in 2026.

Both the traditional IRA and 401(k) offer tax-deductible contributions. Roth IRAs are another option: With a Roth IRA, your contributions are taxed, which means your withdrawals in retirement will be tax free.

You control your IRA, not a larger company, so you can decide which financial institution you want to go with, how much you want to contribute each month, how to invest your money, and if you want to go Roth or traditional.

For those who can afford to invest money in both an IRA and a 401(k), and who meet the necessary criteria, that’s also an option that can boost retirement savings.

5. Deal With Debt

Should you save for retirement or pay off debt? And, more specifically, if you’re dealing with student loans, you may be wondering, should I save for retirement or pay off student loans? That is a financial conundrum for modern times. A good solution to this problem is to do both.

Just as it can be helpful to create a budget and stick to it, it can be helpful to create a loan repayment plan as well. Add those payments to your monthly budgeting expenses and if you still have dollars left over after accounting for all your bills, start socking that away for retirement.

If your student loan debt feels out of control, as it does for many Americans, you may want to look into student loan refinancing. By refinancing your student loan, you could significantly lower your interest rate and potentially pay off your debt faster. Once the loan is paid off, you will be able to reallocate that money to save for retirement.

6. Add Income With a Side Hustle

Working a side gig in your spare time can seriously pay off in the future, especially when you consider that the average side hustle can bring in several hundred dollars a month, according to one survey.

There are several things to consider when thinking of adding an extra job to your résumé, including evaluating what you’re willing to give up in order to make time for more work. But, if you can put your skills to use — such as copy editing, photography, design, or consulting — you can think about this as less of a side hustle and more of a way to hone your client list.

A side hustle should be one way to save for retirement that you’ll enjoy doing. And it could help if you find yourself dealing with a higher cost of living and retirement at some point.

7. Consider Putting Your Money in the Market

There’s no one best way to save for retirement — sometimes a multi-pronged approach can work best. If you already have a budget and an emergency savings account, and you’re maxing out your contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), 457, or IRA, then investing in the market could be another way to diversify your portfolio and potentially help build your nest egg. For instance, historically, stocks have been proven to be one of the best ways to help build wealth.

Putting your money in the market means you’ll have a variety of options to choose from. There are stocks, of course, but also mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and even real estate investment trusts (REITs), which pool investor assets to purchase or finance a portfolio of properties.

However, investing in any of these assets, and in the market in general, comes with risk. So you’ll want to keep that in mind as you choose what to invest in. Consider what your risk tolerance is, how much you’re investing, when you’ll need the money, and how you might diversify your portfolio. Carefully weighing your priorities, needs, and comfort level, can help you make informed selections.

Once you have your asset allocation, be sure to evaluate it, and possibly rebalance it, to stay in line with your goals each year.

8. Automate Your Savings

Setting up automated savings accounts takes the thought and effort out of saving your money because it happens automatically. It could also help you hit your financial goals faster, because you don’t have to decide to save (or agonize over giving in to a spending temptation) and then do the manual work of putting the money into an account. It just happens like clockwork.

Enrolling in a 401(k), 403(b), or 457 at work is one way to automate savings for retirement. Another way to do it is to set up direct deposit for your paychecks. You could even choose to have a portion of your pay deposited into a high-interest savings account to help increase your returns.

9. Downsize and Cut Costs

To help save more and spend less, pull out that monthly budget you created. When you look at your current bills vs. income, how much is left over for retirement savings? Are there areas you can be spending less, such as getting rid of an expensive gym membership or streaming service, dialing back your takeout habit, or shopping a bit less?

This is when you need to be very honest with yourself and decide what you’re willing to give up to help you hit that target retirement number. Finding little ways to save for retirement can have a big impact down the road.

10. Take Advantage of Catch-Up Contributions

If you’re getting closer to retirement and you haven’t started saving yet, it’s not too late! In fact, the government allows catch-up contributions for those age 50 and older.

A catch-up contribution is a contribution to a retirement savings account that is made beyond the regular contribution maximum. Catch-up contributions can be made on either a pre-tax or after-tax basis.

For 2025, catch-up contributions of up to $7,500 are permitted on a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b). Those age 60 to 63 may contribute an additional $11,250 (instead of $7,500). For 2026, catch-up contributions of up to $8,000 are permitted; those age 60 to 63 may contribute an additional $11,250 (instead of $8,000).

Under a new law that went into effect on January 1, 2026 (as part of SECURE 2.0), individuals aged 50 and older who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025 are required to put their 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) catch-up contributions into a Roth account. Because of the way Roth accounts work, these individuals will pay taxes on their catch-up contributions upfront, but can make eligible withdrawals tax-free in retirement.

💡 Quick Tip: Look for an online brokerage with low trading commissions as well as no account minimum. Higher fees can cut into investment returns over time.

Common Retirement Savings Mistakes to Avoid

These are some of the biggest retirement pitfalls to watch out for.

•   Not having a retirement plan in place. Neglecting to make any kind of plan means you’ll likely be unprepared for retirement and won’t have enough money for your golden years.

•   Failing to take advantage of employer-sponsored plans. If you haven’t enrolled in one of these plans, you’re potentially leaving free money on the table. Sign up for a 401(k), 403(b), or 457(b) to tap into employer-matching contributions, when available.

•   Underestimating how much money you’ll need for retirement. Financial specialists typically advise having enough savings to last you for 25 to 30 years after you retire.

•   Accumulating too much debt. Try to avoid taking on too much debt as you get closer to retirement. And work on paying down the debt you do have so you won’t be saddled with it when you retire.

•   Taking Social Security too early. It’s possible to file for Social Security at age 62, but the longer you wait (up until age 70), the higher your benefit will be — approximately 32% higher, in fact.

The Takeaway

It’s never too early to start planning for retirement. And there are many ways to start saving, and set up a system so that you’re saving steadily over time. You can contribute to a retirement plan that your employer offers; you can set up your own retirement plan (e.g. an IRA); and you can choose your own investments.

The most important thing to remember is that you have more control than you think. While your retirement vision may change over time, starting to save and invest your nest egg now will give you a head start.

Ready to invest for your retirement? It’s easy to get started when you open a traditional or Roth IRA with SoFi. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

FAQ

What is the fastest way to save for retirement?

Take a two-pronged approach: First, invest as much as you can in your employer-sponsored retirement account like a 401(k). You’ll likely get some matching contributions from your employer, as well as tax advantages.

For 2025, the standard 401(k) contribution limit for employees is $23,500. Those age 50 to 59, or 64 or older, are able to contribute up to $31,000; those 60 to 63 are able to contribute up to $34,750.

For 2026, the standard 401(k) contribution limit for employees is $24,500. Those age 50 to 59, or 64 or older are able to contribute up to $32,500; those 60 to 63 are able to contribute up to $35,750.

Second, if you qualify, you can also set up and invest in a Roth IRA. For 2025, the Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,000 ($8,000 for those 50 and older). For 2026, the limit is $7,500 ($8,600 for those 50 and older). These limits may be further reduced based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). 

How much do I need to save for retirement?

To estimate how much you need to save for retirement, use this retirement savings formula: Start with your current income, subtract your estimated Social Security benefits, and divide by 0.04. That’s the approximate amount of total retirement savings you’ll need, based on your current income and expenses. You can try other calculators or formulas that might indicate that you’ll need less in retirement. It all depends.

Financial professionals typically advise having enough savings for 25 to 30 years’ worth of retirement.

How do I save for retirement without a 401(k)?

If you don’t have a 401(k), you can set up another type of tax-advantaged account for retirement, such as a traditional IRA and/or a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA, the money grows tax free and is taxed when you withdraw it during retirement.

A Roth IRA, on the other hand, doesn’t provide a tax break up front, but the funds you withdraw after age 59 ½ are tax-free, as long as you’ve had the Roth IRA account for at least five years.

What is the average monthly income for a person who is retired?

The average monthly retirement income for a person who is retired, adjusted for inflation, is $4,381, according to a 2022 U.S. Census report.

How do taxes affect retirement income?

You will need to pay taxes on any withdrawals you make from tax-deferred investments like a 401(k) or traditional IRA. You will also have to pay federal taxes on a pension, if you have one. At the state level, some states tax pensions and some don’t. Additionally, you might have to pay tax on a portion of your Social Security benefits, depending on your overall income.

How can I supplement my income in retirement?

In addition to any retirement plans and pensions you have plus Social Security, you can supplement your retirement income with such strategies as: making investments generally considered to be safe, like investing in CDs (certificate of deposit), getting a part-time job or starting a small business, or renting out any additional property you might own, such as a vacation cabin, to make some extra money.

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Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.