Wealth by Age: How Much Should You Have Saved at Each Stage of Life?

When we talk about wealth by age, the total value of your assets minus your debts at a given point in your life. Also known as net worth by age, it’s not about how much you earn—it’s about what you actually keep. Most people assume they’re doing fine if they’re making a good salary. But income doesn’t equal wealth. Someone earning £70,000 a year with £50,000 in credit card debt has less real wealth than someone earning £40,000 with £100,000 in savings and no loans. This is why tracking your wealth by age matters more than your paycheck.

Your savings goals, the specific amounts you aim to have saved by certain ages to stay on track financially aren’t magic numbers pulled from a magazine. They’re based on real data from household surveys, pension records, and financial behavior studies. For example, by age 30, having saved one times your annual salary is a solid baseline. By 40, you should aim for three times. By 50, five times. These aren’t targets for the rich—they’re minimums for people who want to retire without stress. And if you’re behind? It’s not too late. Small, consistent moves—like cutting one subscription, skipping a monthly takeout habit, or redirecting a bonus into savings—add up faster than you think.

retirement savings, money set aside specifically to support you after you stop working is the biggest piece of wealth by age. But it’s not just about your pension or 401(k). It includes ISAs, property equity, investments, and even cash reserves. Many people forget that their home is part of their retirement plan. In the UK, homeowners over 55 often rely on equity release or downsizing to fund their later years. That’s why knowing your net worth by age, the complete picture of what you own minus what you owe is critical. It’s not about bragging rights—it’s about knowing if you can afford to stop working when you want to.

There’s no single formula that fits everyone. A teacher, a plumber, and a freelancer will have wildly different paths to the same goal. But the rules are the same: spend less than you earn, invest early, avoid high-interest debt, and keep checking your numbers every year. The people who hit their targets aren’t the ones who made the most money—they’re the ones who paid attention. They didn’t wait for a windfall. They didn’t chase get-rich-quick schemes. They just stayed consistent.

Below, you’ll find real breakdowns, hard numbers, and practical advice from people who’ve been there. Whether you’re 25 and just starting out, 45 and wondering if you’ve done enough, or 60 and planning your next move—there’s something here that applies to you. No fluff. No hype. Just what actually works.