Optimisation Épargne.

How much should you save each month for retirement?

Guide · Published October 17, 2026 · ~5 min read

The useful question isn't "how much should I save?" but "what balance am I aiming for, and how long do I have?". Once you have those two numbers, the monthly amount is simple math.

Step 1: set a target

Start with the monthly income you want from your savings, on top of any pension or Social Security. A common shortcut (the 4% rule) is to multiply that yearly income by 25. Example: $1,700 a month is about $20,000 a year, which calls for roughly $500,000.

Step 2: the monthly amount by time left

To reach $500,000 starting from zero:

Years until retirement	Starting age (retire at 65)	At 5% a year	At 7% a year
35 years	30	≈ $440 / month	≈ $280 / month
30 years	35	≈ $600 / month	≈ $410 / month
25 years	40	≈ $840 / month	≈ $620 / month
20 years	45	≈ $1,220 / month	≈ $960 / month
15 years	50	≈ $1,870 / month	≈ $1,580 / month

Equal monthly contributions, constant average return, before fees and taxes. 5% fits a balanced portfolio, 7% a stock-heavy one over the long run (not guaranteed).

Starting at 30 instead of 50 cuts the monthly amount by a factor of four to six. Time is a stronger lever than return.

Step 3: make the goal easier to reach

Raise contributions with your income: start smaller and increase every year.
Keep fees low: 1% less in annual fees adds up to tens of thousands over 30 years.
Front-load when you can: a bonus invested in the early years compounds the longest.
Combine levers: a later retirement date, a slightly lower target or the sale of a home at retirement all reduce the monthly effort.

Work out your own number

Enter your current savings, monthly contribution and horizon, then turn on the target panel: the simulator shows the year you reach it.

Open the simulator →