What'S The Minimum Savings Rate That You Consider To Be Good?

All respondents

All answers:

Letters A, B, C, D and E refer to the following answers in all of this page's graphs:

  • A) 1% or less of income
  • B) 2-5% of income
  • C) 6-10% of income
  • D) 11-10% of income
  • E) Over 21% of income
  • X is the number of 'N/A' or not applicable.

    Key Takeaways from Survey Results:

    • 36% of all respondents believe that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income is considered good.
    • 10% of all respondents think that a savings rate between 2-5% of their income is considered good.
    • 31% of all respondents indicate that a savings rate between 6-10% of their income is considered good.
    • 14% of all respondents believe that a savings rate between 11-20% of their income is considered good.
    • 9% of all respondents consider a savings rate of over 21% of their income to be good.

    Insights from this part of the survey:

    One of the key takeaways from the survey results is that the majority of respondents have relatively modest expectations for what is considered a good minimum savings rate. In fact, a significant 36% of respondents believe that 1% or less of their income is sufficient for a good savings rate.

    This suggests a potential lack of emphasis on savings and financial planning among a significant portion of the respondents.

    Furthermore, while a minority of respondents (10%) consider a savings rate between 2-5% of their income to be good, the largest percentage (31%) view a savings rate range of 6-10% as satisfactory. This indicates a somewhat higher expectation for savings compared to the previous group, possibly suggesting a greater emphasis on long-term financial security.

    Interestingly, the proportion of respondents who consider a savings rate of 11-20% of their income to be good (14%) is relatively close to the percentage who believe a savings rate of 1% or less (36%) to be sufficient.

    This suggests a diverse range of opinions regarding what constitutes a good savings rate.

    Moreover, it is worth noting that a small but notable proportion of respondents (9%) deem a savings rate of over 21% of their income to be good. This suggests a heightened focus on savings and building wealth among this segment of respondents, potentially indicating individuals with larger disposable incomes or particular financial goals.

    Comparison Table: Minimum Savings Rate Considered Good

    Savings RatePercentage of Respondents
    1% or less of income36%
    2-5% of income10%
    6-10% of income31%
    11-20% of income14%
    Over 21% of income9%

    Age analysis

    Ages from 25 to 29:

    Key Takeaways from Survey Results

    1. For respondents aged 25-29, the majority (33%) considered a savings rate of 6-10% of their income as good.
    2. Among respondents aged 29-33, the highest proportion (35%) believed that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income was sufficient.
    3. Respondents aged 33-37 had the highest percentage (42%) who considered a savings rate of 1% or less of their income to be good.
    4. For those aged 37-41, the majority (45%) believed that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income was adequate.
    5. Among respondents aged 41-45, the majority (35%) considered a savings rate of 6-10% of their income as good.

    Insights from this part of the survey

    From the gathered data, it is evident that the perception of a good savings rate varies across different age ranges. The younger age group (25-29) tends to have a higher preference for a savings rate of 6-10%, which may indicate their focus on building up their savings at an early stage in life.

    On the other hand, the older age groups (29-33, 33-37, 37-41, and 41-45) have a higher inclination towards a savings rate of 1% or less, implying a more conservative approach to saving.

    Furthermore, it is interesting to observe that the 29-33 age group had a slightly higher percentage (8%) of respondents who considered a savings rate of over 21% of their income as good. This indicates a possible desire for greater financial security or long-term investment goals within this particular age range.

    Explanation and Suggestions

    The varying perspectives on what constitutes a good savings rate can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including individual financial goals, income levels, and spending habits. Please recognize that financial circumstances and priorities differ across age groups.

    For the younger age group of 25-29, their focus on saving between 6-10% of their income may stem from the desire to establish a strong foundation for their future financial endeavors. These individuals are likely starting their careers or entering a phase of increased income, allowing them to allocate a higher portion towards savings.

    Conversely, the older age groups (29-33, 33-37, 37-41, and 41-45) may be more concerned with managing their current financial responsibilities, potentially including mortgage payments, education expenses for children, or supporting elderly parents.

    Hence, their inclination towards a savings rate of 1% or less may be influenced by the need to balance their cash flow.

    Based on the survey results, it is recommended for financial institutions and advisors to tailor their advice and products to meet the diverse needs and expectations of different age groups. Providing comprehensive financial planning services, accessible savings and investment platforms, and educational resources can aid individuals in achieving their financial objectives while aligning with their personal circumstances.

    Comparison Table: Good Savings Rate by Age Ranges

    Age Ranges1% or Less2-5%6-10%11-10%Over 21%N/A
    25-2927%7%33%27%7%0%
    29-3335%15%27%15%8%0%
    33-3742%5%32%11%11%0%
    37-4145%10%30%5%10%0%
    41-4530%10%35%15%10%0%

    Note: Percentages represent the proportion of respondents within each age range who considered the respective savings rate as good.

    Male versus female

    Male respondents:

    Key Takeaways from Survey Results

    • 42% of male respondents consider a savings rate of 1% or less of their income to be good.
    • 23% of male respondents believe that a savings rate of 6-10% of their income is good.
    • 28% of female respondents consider a savings rate of 1% or less of their income to be good.
    • 42% of female respondents believe that a savings rate of 6-10% of their income is good.
    • No respondents selected 'N/A' for their savings rate.

    Insights from this part of the survey

    Based on the data, we can infer that a significant proportion of both male and female respondents have a low threshold for what they consider to be a good savings rate. This is evident from the high percentages (42% for males and 28% for females) of those who believe that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income is sufficient.

    Additionally, it is interesting to note that a considerable number of respondents (23% for males and 42% for females) perceive a savings rate of 6-10% of their income as sufficient. This indicates a slightly higher expectation for females compared to males.

    It is worth mentioning that none of the respondents chose 'N/A' as their answer, suggesting that all individuals surveyed have some level of expectation for a good savings rate.

    Explanation and suggestions

    The survey results reveal intriguing insights into people's perception of what constitutes a good savings rate. The fact that a significant percentage of respondents believe that saving only 1% or less of their income is satisfactory is perplexing.

    One possible explanation for this could be a lack of financial literacy or a limited understanding of the long-term benefits of saving. It might be helpful to increase awareness about the importance of saving and its positive impact on financial stability and future goals.

    Moreover, the findings also suggest that there is gender disparity when it comes to expectations of a good savings rate. Females tend to have slightly higher expectations, with more females considering a savings rate of 6-10% of their income as adequate compared to males.

    Considering this, it could be valuable to promote financial education tailored specifically towards females, highlighting the advantages of saving a higher percentage of their income and empowering them to take control of their financial future.

    Female respondents:

    Good financial education' versus 'poor financial education'

    Good financial education:

    Key Takeaways from Survey Results

    • Only 37% of respondents with good financial education consider a savings rate of 6-10% of their income to be good.
    • 53% of respondents with poor financial education believe a savings rate of 1% or less of their income is acceptable.
    • No respondents with poor financial education consider a savings rate above 21% of their income to be good.
    • Respondents with poor financial education are more inclined to save a smaller percentage of their income compared to those with good financial education.

    Insights from this part of the survey

    These survey results highlight a significant disparity in the perception of a good savings rate between individuals with good financial education and those with poor financial education.

    Among respondents with good financial education, the majority (37%) consider a savings rate of 6-10% of their income to be good. This suggests that a substantial portion of people with financial knowledge understands the importance of saving a significant percentage of their income.

    In contrast, among respondents with poor financial education, a staggering 53% believe that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income is acceptable. This indicates a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of saving for future financial security.

    Interestingly, none of the respondents with poor financial education consider a savings rate above 21% of their income to be good. This indicates that individuals with limited financial knowledge may not perceive the value of saving beyond a certain threshold, potentially hindering their ability to achieve long-term financial goals.

    Explanation and Suggestions

    Understanding the factors influencing individuals' perception of a good savings rate is crucial in addressing the prevalent disparities and promoting healthier financial habits.

    One possible explanation for respondents with poor financial education considering lower savings rates to be good could be the lack of exposure to financial literacy resources and guidance. These individuals may not have received adequate education on the importance of saving and the potential long-term benefits it can offer.

    To address this issue, it is essential to prioritize financial education initiatives aimed at individuals with poor financial education. This can involve incorporating personal finance topics into school curricula, providing accessible online resources and workshops, and partnering with community organizations to deliver financial literacy programs.

    Poor financial education:

    Prefers a minimalist lifestyle' versus 'prefers a consumist lifestyle'

    Prefers a minimalist lifestyle:

    Key Takeaways from Survey Results:

    • 42% of respondents who prefer a minimalist lifestyle consider a savings rate of 6-10% of their income to be good.
    • 64% of respondents who prefer a consumist lifestyle believe that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income is sufficient.
    • Only 15% of respondents who prefer a minimalist lifestyle think that a savings rate between 2-5% of their income is sufficient.
    • 23% of respondents who prefer a minimalist lifestyle consider a savings rate between 11-20% of their income to be good.
    • Among those who prefer a consumist lifestyle, 19% believe that a savings rate of 6-10% of their income is sufficient.

    Insights from this part of the survey:

    Looking at the survey results, it's interesting to note that the majority of respondents who prefer a minimalist lifestyle have a higher expectation for what they consider to be a good savings rate.

    With 42% of them believing that a savings rate of 6-10% of their income is necessary, it indicates that they are more conscious about the importance of saving for the future.

    On the other hand, respondents who prefer a consumist lifestyle tend to have a much lower standard when it comes to savings.

    A staggering 64% of them think that a savings rate of 1% or less of their income is sufficient.

    It's worth mentioning that only 15% of respondents who prefer a minimalist lifestyle consider a savings rate between 2-5% of their income to be good. This suggests that they prioritize a higher level of financial security and are willing to allocate a larger portion of their income towards savings.

    Meanwhile, among those who prefer a consumist lifestyle, the percentage of respondents who believe that a savings rate of 6-10% of their income is sufficient is relatively higher at 19%.

    Explanation and suggestions:

    These findings shed light on the different perspectives and values individuals have towards financial planning. Those who lean towards a minimalist lifestyle may be more inclined to prioritize saving and building a safety net for themselves.

    They understand the importance of being prepared for unexpected expenses and future needs.

    On the other hand, those who prefer a consumist lifestyle may have a more immediate gratification mindset, prioritizing current desires over future financial security.

    Prefer Minimalist LifestylePrefer Consumist Lifestyle
    6 (11%)30 (64%)
    8 (15%)2 (4%)
    22 (42%)9 (19%)
    12 (23%)2 (4%)
    5 (9%)4 (9%)
    0 (0%)0 (0%)

    Prefers a consumist lifestyle:

    The complete survey and the other results

    You can find the complete survey results, methodology and limitations here:

    Early retirement survey

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