7 Secrets of Retirement ‘Super Savers’

Fifty-six percent of U.S. adults feel behind on saving for retirement, and more than 1 in 5 haven't contributed to their retirement savings in the past year, according to a August 2023 Bankrate survey. Respondents cited inflation and student debt as key drags on their ability to save.

Yet some Americans are not only staying committed to their savings goals in an uncertain economy — they’re exceeding them.

These “super savers,” as defined in an annual survey by Principal Financial Group, set aside 15 percent or more of their salary in retirement accounts or make 90 percent of the maximum retirement contribution set annually by the IRS.

The most successful retirement savers have cultivated certain habits that help them achieve their goals, financial advisers say. Here’s what we can learn from them.

1. Start as soon as you can (but it’s never too late)

For its 2022 study, Principal polled more than 1,100 investors ages 18 to 57 about how and how much they save. The survey found that many super savers start young, often taking a cue from thrifty parents, and stay the course, consistently setting money aside through good economic times and bad (see No. 2).

“Habits form early in life, and money habits are no different,” observes David Peters, a senior financial advisor with CFO Capital Management.

That doesn’t mean you can’t learn to be a saver when you’re older.

“Don't ever approach it as, ‘I don't have time,’ or ‘I started too late,’ ” says Sri Reddy, senior vice president for retirement and income solutions at Principal. “It's like exercise, stopping smoking or anything else. Even if you haven't done it your whole life, you're better off doing it now than not doing it.”

2. Focus on the long game

Inflation up? Stock market down? Short-term volatility doesn’t faze super savers. They might curb their spending when consumer prices rise or a recession looms, but they stick to their savings goals, or even ratchet them up. 

According to the Principal survey, 54 percent of top-level savers have been setting aside more money over the last two years. Nearly 3 in 5 expect to save more than $20,000 for retirement this year alone. Amid a market downturn, those who continue to invest could benefit from rising stock prices in an economic recovery. With the Federal Reserve boosting interest rates in a bid to check inflation, this is also a good time to put money into savings, Reddy says.

“If you're a saver now you can earn 3, 4 or 5 percent,” he says.

3. Set ambitious goals

The most successful savers think big, and their goals have increased significantly in the last two years, the Principal study found.

Nearly all of those surveyed — 95 percent —have increased their goal to feel more financially secure and hedge against future inflation. While having $1 million in hand is often touted as a retirement benchmark, 29 percent of Gen X super savers and 35 percent of millennials say they aim to have at least $3 million.

Setting a goal is one thing; funding it is another. One way to get there is to max out on tax-deferred contributions to a retirement savings plan.

For the 2023 tax year, you can contribute up to $22,500 to a 401(k) or similar plan and up $6,500 to an IRA, under IRS regulations. People ages 50 or older can make catch-up contributions that raise those limits to $30,000 and $7,500, respectively. In 2024, the caps go up to $23,000 for a 401(k) and $7,000 for an IRA ($30,500 and $8,000 for 50-plus savers).

4. Live — and spend — simply

The Principal study found that the best savers are strategic in how they spend. They are content to drive older vehicles or own a modest home. They travel less frequently than they might like, don’t carry credit card debt and go the DIY route for household projects. Seventy percent have an emergency savings account with enough in it cover at least three months of expenses.

But not living like a prince doesn’t mean you have to live like a pauper. Being thrifty in some areas makes super savers more comfortable splashing out in others, like dining out regularly or taking a deluxe vacation when they really want it. More than half of Principal respondents cited being able to splurge when they want to as a reason financial security is important to them.

5. Put saving first

“Most human beings spend what they need, then they look at, ‘Do I have anything else left to save?’ ” Reddy says. “The super savers, one of the things that is innate to them is they prioritize saving first, then they spend everything else.”

That means incorporating saving into your budget, like you do with bills. Know how much you can set aside each month and stick to it. If you’re mid-career, “you probably have more disposable income now than you've ever had in your life” and can save more, Reddy says.