Why US retirees with just $600K in savings often end up with $1.3M (or more). Stop stressing out in 2026

Core Insights - Most Americans believe a retirement savings goal of $1.26 million is necessary for a comfortable retirement, but having less than that does not necessarily lead to a stressful retirement life [1] Retirement Expenses - Retirees often reduce their spending over time, with couples aged 65 and older withdrawing only 2.1% annually from retirement assets of $100,000 or more, while unmarried retirees withdraw approximately 1.9% [4] - This withdrawal rate is significantly lower than the commonly referenced "4% rule" used by financial planners for retirement strategies [5] - Factors contributing to reduced spending include the elimination of commuting costs, work-related expenses, and the availability of senior discounts, along with Medicare coverage for many healthcare expenses after age 65 [5] Income Sources - A significant reason retirees withdraw less from their savings is the steady income provided by Social Security benefits, which covers about 94% of workers [6] - As of January 2026, the average monthly Social Security benefit is $2,071, providing a robust fixed income for retirees [6]