Many retirees find that their 80s bring a new level of peace. There's less pressure to hustle, and more time to enjoy life's simple pleasures. But financial stress can still creep in, even at age 84.
If you're wondering how your savings stack up or how to stretch your money further, here's what the numbers say, and what you can still do to feel more financially secure.
Average net worth for 84-year-olds
According to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, Americans age 75 and older have an average net worth of $1.62 million. That might sound high, but remember this is just an average, and it's skewed by people with very high wealth.
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Median net worth paints a different picture
A better way to gauge how your finances compare is by looking at the median. That number, the middle value, for Americans 75 and older is $335,600. This means half of people in that group have less, and half have more.
Even if your net worth is lower than you'd like, you still have options to make your money go further.
Keep a small portion of your money in stocks
At age 84, reducing risk is a smart move, but that doesn't mean abandoning the stock market entirely. One simple rule of thumb is to subtract your age from 100. That would suggest investing about 16% of your portfolio in stocks.
This can help your money keep up with inflation while limiting your exposure to volatility. A financial advisor can help tailor a mix that fits your goals and comfort level.
Use new tax deductions for seniors
From 2025 through 2028, a new federal tax deduction allows people age 65 and older to claim an extra $6,000 deduction on their federal tax return. It begins to phase out at incomes above $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
This deduction is available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, and it could offer meaningful savings during tax season.
Look into state-level tax breaks
On top of federal help, many states offer their own tax benefits for seniors. These could include:
- Property tax exemptions
- Tax credits
- Income tax deductions for private pensions
Even if you've lived in your state for decades, it's worth checking for programs you may not have used yet.
Take advantage of senior discounts
It's not just taxes that can save you money. AARP and other organizations track discounts that many seniors don't realize exist at grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and retailers like Kohl's and Walgreens.
These price breaks may seem small, but they can add up over time and stretch your budget without sacrificing the things you enjoy.
Bottom line
Reaching age 84 doesn't mean your financial journey is over. Even without big lifestyle changes, there are still ways to reduce expenses, take advantage of available tax breaks, and make smarter decisions with your savings. Whether your net worth is above or below the median, taking simple, thoughtful steps now can help you get one step closer to a stress-free retirement.
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Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.
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