How Much Should I Have Saved by 30?

Age 30 is when the FIRE journey gets real. The habits you build in your 20s compound — literally and figuratively — over the next 20-30 years.

The Benchmarks

Metric Minimum On Track FIRE Accelerated
Total saved 0.5× salary 1× salary 2×+ salary
At $60K salary $30,000 $60,000 $120,000+
At $100K salary $50,000 $100,000 $200,000+
401(k) balance $15,000 $40,000 $80,000+
Emergency fund 3 months 6 months 12 months

What "On Track" Looks Like at 30

If you're making $60,000 and have $60,000 saved at 30, you're doing well. That means you've likely been saving 15-20% for 5-8 years. At this pace:

  • Traditional retirement at 65: Very comfortable — you'll have $1.5M+
  • FIRE at 50: Achievable if you increase savings to 30%+
  • FIRE at 40: Requires aggressive 50%+ savings rate from here

If You're at $0 at 30

Don't panic. Many people start at 30. The math still works — you just need a higher savings rate:

  • $0 saved, $60K salary, save 50%: FIRE in ~17 years (age 47)
  • $0 saved, $100K salary, save 40%: FIRE in ~20 years (age 50)
  • $0 saved, $150K salary, save 60%: FIRE in ~12 years (age 42)

The key: your savings rate matters more than your starting point.

The FIRE Math at 30

Starting now at 30, with a $60,000 salary targeting $1M FIRE number:

Savings Rate Annual Savings Years to FIRE FIRE Age
20% $12,000 29 years 59
30% $18,000 22 years 52
50% $30,000 15 years 45
70% $42,000 11 years 41

Assumes 7% real return and 4% withdrawal rate.

Action Plan for Age 30

  1. Get the 401(k) match — free money, always
  2. Max out Roth IRA ($7,500/year in 2026)
  3. Build to 50% savings rate — the FIRE sweet spot
  4. Invest in low-cost index funds (VTI, VXUS)
  5. Avoid lifestyle inflation as income grows

Bottom Line

The best answer to "how much should I have saved by 30?" is: more than yesterday, and enough that compound interest has time to work. If you're at 1× salary, you're on the FIRE track. If you're at $0, start today and 50% savings rate gets you there by 45. For millennial-specific FIRE strategies, check our dedicated guide. And don't forget to check your progress at age 40.

Calculate Your Savings Rate Compound Interest Calculator

Sources