Much of retirement planning is focused on the so-called “magic number”: how much you need to have saved to live comfortably and confidently without employment income. Today, most Americans believe that magic number is $1.26 million, according to a 2025 NorthWestern Mutual survey (1). Must Read Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Soc ...