What Percentage of My Income Should Go Towards Retirement?

How much of your income should go toward retirement?
In this week’s episode of The Market Moment, Eli Freeman, Isaac Johnson, and John Martfeld discuss one of the most common (and most confusing) personal finance questions: “What percentage of my income should I be saving for retirement?”

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal savings rate depends on age, income, debt, employer match, family situation, long-term goals, and how early you start investing. Today, we break down the key variables that matter most—plus practical strategies you can use today to increase your retirement readiness.

🔍 In This Episode, We Cover:
• The REAL factors that determine your ideal retirement savings rate
Age, timeline to retirement, income level, job stability, lifestyle expectations, kids, special-needs planning, and more.
• Why starting early matters—and how late starters can still catch up
Understanding compounding, time horizon, and why someone starting at 40 may need to save 20–30%+.
• The importance of your 401(k) match
Why company match = free money—and how auto-escalation helps increase your savings painlessly.
• Debt’s impact on retirement planning
Why high-interest credit cards and car loans can erase the benefits of saving and investing.
• Savings rate vs. lifestyle creep
How income growth can work for you or against you.
• Emergency funds, taxable investing, and non-retirement financial planning
Building a complete strategy beyond just your 401(k).
• The rising age of first-time homebuyers + impact of housing costs
And how new ideas like 50-year mortgages or portable mortgages could affect future planning.
• Thanksgiving gratitude + favorite Thanksgiving side dishes
A fun wrap-up to a value-packed episode.

💡 Key Takeaways
Start with at least 10% if you can (more if possible).
Always capture 100% of your employer match.
Increase your savings rate every time your income increases.
Avoid lifestyle creep—your future self will thank you.
Pay down high-interest debt before trying to invest aggressively.
Your ideal savings rate changes throughout life—and that’s normal.

📝 Related Episode Mentioned: Data Brief with Eli Freeman
“The Hidden Difference in Investment Returns” - Why 10% Isn’t Always 10%
   • The Hidden Difference in Investment Return...  

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💬 Comment below what % you're saving right now!

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⚠️ Disclosure
The hosts of The Market Moment podcast are employees of Mach 1 Financial Group, LLC, a registered investment advisor in Rogers, Arkansas. Mach 1’s current written disclosure brochure is available on the SEC website and at disclosures.mach1fg.com.