PensionBee Finds a Seven-Figure Retirement Still Possible After 35

Rhea-AI Summary

PensionBee (PBNYF) released a guide, Seven paths to a seven figure retirement, showing concrete routes to surpass $1 million for savers at different career stages. The report cites that 97% of Americans are short of a retirement million, average household savings are $87,000, and only 2.5% are on track.

It models catch-up scenarios (e.g., a 35-year-old contributing $284,000 plus employer match could reach $1.5M) and highlights employer matching, compounding, and IRS catch-up rules as key enablers while noting a 41% rise in healthcare costs over the last decade.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

• Report models concrete, achievable saving paths with numeric examples
• Highlights employer matching and compounding as key wealth drivers
• Cites IRS expanded catch-up provisions aiding older savers

Negative

• 97% of Americans are short of a $1 million retirement target
• Average household retirement savings only $87,000
• Only 2.5% of Americans on track to exceed $1 million

With 97% of Americans short of a retirement million, a new guide by PensionBee charts achievable routes for savers at every career stage

NEW YORK, April 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PensionBee, a leading online retirement savings provider, today released an accessible guide, Seven paths to a seven figure retirement, which offers realistic routes past $1 million in retirement savings for Americans across every stage of their career.

Americans now believe they need $1.46 million to retire comfortably, despite the fact that just 2.5% are currently on track to surpass $1 million by retirement. Yet the average household has just $87,000 saved with nearly half of Americans reporting no savings at all.

The retirement million is an aspirational benchmark that the overwhelming majority of American savers have not come close to reaching. PensionBee’s findings suggest the gap may be less insurmountable than many think.

Better late than never

Retirement participation peaks at age 45, and nearly half of those in their 30s do not yet have anything saved. While starting early is the most straightforward path, those who begin contributing after 30, or even 50, may find their retirement goals are still well within their reach.

Millennials may be the generation furthest behind.

PensionBee survey data found that 27% of Millennials wait until at least the age of 30 to begin saving for retirement. 38% have one year or less worth of savings accumulated while 17% reported tapping retirement for hardship withdrawals, more than any other generation.

For a saver beginning from scratch at 35, can contribute $284,000 out of pocket and with an equal employer match, end up with $1.5 million by retirement. 

"There is no single path to a retirement million, and that is exactly the point," said Romi Savova, CEO of PensionBee. "Whether someone is 22 and just getting started, 35 playing catch-up, or 50 with nothing saved yet, this report shows that getting from point A to B is achievable. We want every American to see a path that resembles their own."

The growing price tag of retirement

The report segments savers into three career stages and maps the concrete steps needed to surpass $1 million by retirement.

Many retirement savers find immediate financial pressures compete with long-term planning. But the price of retirement itself may be steadily rising, due to longer lifespans, cost of living expenses, and skyrocketing healthcare costs, which have increased 41% over the last decade.

But the findings also highlight structural advantages like employer matching, compounding returns over long horizons, and the IRS's expanded catch-up provisions for older workers and can do significant lifting when deliberately used.

Full findings from the Seven paths to a seven figure retirement guide are available here.

About PensionBee

PensionBee (LON:PBEE; OTCQX:PBNYF) is a leading retirement savings provider, helping people easily consolidate, manage, and take control of their retirement savings. The company manages nearly $10 billion in assets and serves over 300,000 customers globally, with a focus on simplicity, transparency, and accessibility. PensionBee offers Traditional, Roth, SEP, and Safe Harbor IRAs with ETF-backed portfolios that include SPY and MDY from State Street Investment Management, one of the world’s largest asset managers. PensionBee is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (PBEE) with U.S. shares available on OTCQX (PBNYF).

Notes

The information provided in this announcement, including any projections for investment returns and future performance, is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. PensionBee is not liable for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information. Projections and forecasts are based on assumptions and current market conditions, which are subject to change.

Press Contact

Press_US@pensionbee.com

^{PensionBee Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser.  We do not provide in-person advice.
PensionBee Inc (Delaware Registration Number SR20241105406 ) is located on 85 Broad Street, New York, New York, 10004.}

FAQ

What does the PensionBee (PBNYF) guide say about starting retirement savings at 35?

Starting at 35 can still reach a seven-figure retirement with deliberate saving and employer match. According to PensionBee, a saver starting from scratch at 35 who contributes $284,000 out of pocket plus equal employer match could reach about $1.5 million by retirement, per modeled scenarios.

How many Americans are on track for a $1 million retirement, according to PensionBee on April 16, 2026?

Very few—only 2.5% are on track to exceed $1 million by retirement. According to PensionBee, 97% of Americans fall short of that benchmark, underscoring large gaps between perceived needs and current savings levels.

What key factors does PensionBee (PBNYF) identify to help reach $1 million by retirement?

Employer matching, long-term compounding, and IRS catch-up rules are central helpers. According to PensionBee, deliberate use of employer match, compounding over time, and expanded catch-up provisions can materially improve retirement outcomes.

How does PensionBee (PBNYF) quantify current US retirement savings levels?

PensionBee reports the average household has $87,000 saved and nearly half report no savings. According to PensionBee, these figures contrast with the $1.46 million many Americans estimate they need to retire comfortably.

What generational concerns does the PensionBee guide raise for Millennials?

Millennials show notable retirement vulnerabilities, including late starts and withdrawals. According to PensionBee, 27% wait until age 30+ to begin saving, 38% have one year or less of savings, and 17% took hardship withdrawals.