The typical U.S. worker has $955 saved for retirement.

I came across that stat yesterday morning in Sherwood Snacks -- sourced from a National Institute on Retirement Security report using U.S. Census Bureau data. It captures all workers ages 21–64, including tens of millions with no workplace retirement plan at all.

The exact number will vary by source. But the direction is hard to argue with:

Most of us aren't saving and investing enough.

In my work with clients, I hear the same reasons come up again and again:

- Already stretched thin on a monthly budget

- Haven't gotten around to adjusting paycheck contributions

- Having debt that feels like it has to come first

- Not sure what to actually invest in

- Simply forgetting -- life gets busy

These are real, legitimate constraints. Yet they're all workable.

My recommendation almost always comes down to two things:

1. Start — or save and invest just a little more than you are today.

2. Put it on autopilot.

Pay yourself first.

Then let time and compounding do the heavy lifting.

A small, consistent habit today can go a remarkably long way over 10, 20, or 30 years.

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📊 Back-of-the-envelope: If the typical American worker is 40 and began saving at 21 -- roughly 19 years of growth at a 7% average annual market return -- a $955 balance implies saving and investing less than $26 per year. That's not a savings problem. That's a starting problem.

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If you're an early or mid-career professional who wants to get more intentional about saving and investing — I'd love to connect.

At Empower Wealth Counseling, I help clients work toward financial independence: the point where your assets generate enough income to cover your living expenses without needing to trade time for money.

Two ways to work with me:

🎯 Focus Sessions — Four weeks, one-on-one, on a topic of your choosing

🧭 The Empower Complete Plan — Six months of comprehensive financial planning

📅 Schedule a free intro call → https://lnkd.in/gUpi3ftQ

For educational purposes only. Please consult a qualified advisor for guidance tailored to your individual situation.

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