Hearthside Realty

06/19/2026

Americans now estimate they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2026 Planning & Progress Study, yet many are still counting on $1 million as their target.

Using the 4% withdrawal rule, a $1 million nest egg generates about $40,000 per year. Add the average Social Security benefit of $2,071 per month and total income comes to roughly $5,400 a month. But housing costs can quickly erode that budget. A typical mortgage payment, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses could easily consume 50% of that monthly income, leaving just $2,700 for health care, groceries, utilities, and everything else. Where you retire matters too. States like Florida, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania do not tax retirement income from 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions, which can meaningfully stretch savings further.