Affluent Americans’ Retirement Goal Climbs 26% From Last Year to $2.6 Million, HSBC Finds
Affluent and high-net-worth individuals in the US have saved just 52% of their retirement goal
Nearly two-thirds (64%) expect to leave work gradually or flexibly rather than stop altogether
As retirement planning overlaps with other major priorities, 70% are now planning for a life that doesn't follow a linear path
NEW YORK, October 21, 2026--Affluent Americans say they need $2.6 million to retire comfortably, according to new HSBC research conducted by Ipsos. This savings target is up 26% over last year.
The survey of 9,993 affluent and high-net-worth investors across 10 markets1 finds that US respondents have saved just 52% of that goal on average, revealing a significant gap between retirement expectations and financial preparedness. Even older generations are short of their target. Boomers have saved 74% of their retirement goal, and Gen X has saved 55%. Gen Z (45%) is slightly ahead of Millennials (42%).
The retirement savings gap comes as many affluent Americans juggle at least two life stages at the same time. The result is seven in 10 respondents are now planning for a non-linear future, moving away from milestones that happen in sequential order, to experiencing life all at once. Funding retirement (43%) is the most common life stage Americans are planning for, followed by personal or professional reinvention (39%), which can include switching careers, starting a new business, taking a planned career break or funding a new skill. Supporting both children and aging parents is third (37%).
This complexity is driving demand for more flexible wealth-planning solutions. More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents want expert guidance and specialist support to help navigate competing priorities, and a similar percentage (75%) say they want wealth products and services that are flexible and adaptable to multiple needs.
Racquel Oden, US Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, says, "A comfortable retirement is becoming more expensive, even for those with substantial wealth. As investors build careers, raise families, support aging parents and save for retirement all at once, flexible planning and expert guidance are more important than ever to help them stay on track toward their goals."
Retirement is no longer a hard stop
For many affluent Americans, retirement no longer means leaving the workforce completely. Nearly two-thirds (64%) who have yet to retire plan to cut their working hours gradually over time (34%), move from their main career into an advisory role or a passion project (21%), or take mini-retirements2 (10%).