/images/2023/09/14/woman_using_laptop.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2026/05/08/woman-in-her-60s.jpg)
/authors/kristin-hitchcock-headshot_1Ry3EBR.jpg)
/authors/laura_hohenstein_headshot.jpg)
Add Us On Google
At age 68, the vast majority of people are retired or very close to retiring. That's why it's so important at this age to check up on your retirement readiness, which includes your whole financial picture, not just your income. Seeing how your finances compare to those of others in this age group can give you a general idea of how you're doing.
Of course, net worth isn't everything, but it does provide a snapshot of how prepared you might be for the years ahead. Below, we'll break down the averages, what they actually mean, and how to think about your own number in context.
Get instant access to hundreds of discounts
Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.
Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.
The average net worth for 65- to 74-year-olds
According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, households led by someone between the ages of 65 and 74 have:
- Average net worth: around $1.8 million
- Median net worth: around $410,000
This gap isn't accidental. The average is pulled up by higher-net-worth households, while the median reflects a more typical experience. If you're closer to the median, you're far from alone, and likely closer to reality than the headline number suggests.
Why the median matters more than the average
It's easy to look at a $1.8 million average and feel behind. But that number includes households with significant assets, like business owners and long-time investors. It includes everyone, including those in the upper 1%.
The median tells a very different story. It represents closer to what the "average" household has, which is around $400,000. If you're comparing your situation, this is usually the most useful benchmark. It offers a grounded way to see how your retirement savings stack up without the distortion of outliers.
What counts toward your net worth
Net worth isn't just what you have sitting in your bank account. It includes everything you own minus what you owe. For many 68-year-olds, this includes:
- Home equity (often a large asset)
- Retirement accounts
- Savings and brokerage accounts
- Vehicles and other personal property
- Remaining debts (mortgages and credit cards)
Understanding what's included can change how you view your number. Someone with a paid-off home may look "wealthy" on paper, even if they have a modest cash flow.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>
Sign up for a free debt assessment here.
How your number compares in real life
If your net worth is below the median, it doesn't automatically signal a problem. Many retirees rely more heavily on Social Security or pensions, which don't show up in net worth calculations.
At the same time, a higher net doesn't directly translate into financial ease. Home equity and investments contribute to a positive net worth, but they don't necessarily translate to cash flow. You can't use your home's worth to pay your grocery bill! For this reason, it's important to look at whether or not you can support your lifestyle, not just your net worth number.
Factors that shape net worth at 68
At this point, you've been making financial decisions for decades, and all those decisions show up in your net worth. Some of the biggest influences at this age are:
- Homeownership: Rising home prices can drastically increase your net worth without much effort on your part
- Savings consistency: Saving even a small amount of money consistently can result in big gains down the road
- Income history: Higher lifetime earnings often translate to higher net worths
- Debt level: Debt slowly eats into your ability to save, having a huge impact on net worth
There's a wide range of outcomes, and most people land somewhere close to the median.
What's a "good" net worth at this age
There is no single number that defines success at 68. A "good" net worth is one that supports your needs, whether that's covering essentials, handling health care costs, or allowing for some flexibility in your lifestyle.
In many cases, this looks like a modest portfolio paired with a decent Social Security benefit. For others, it could mean drawing down larger investment accounts. The goal isn't to hit a universal target. It's to make sure your finances align with your needs.
Evaluating your situation
Instead of focusing solely on how you compare to the average or median net worth for your age group, it helps to ask more practical questions. For instance, can your income cover all your monthly expenses with a small buffer? Whether or not your lifestyle is sustainable on your income is typically more important than the exact number in your bank account.
A lower net worth might feel stable if your monthly fixed costs are low. However, a higher net worth with little cash flow might not be sustainable at all.
At the end of the day, your net worth doesn't really tell you much about your financial situation.
Ways to strengthen your financial situation after 65
After retirement age, there are still several ways you can improve your financial situation. For instance:
- Delaying Social Security increases monthly benefits
- Reevaluating spending can reduce unnecessary expenses
- Considering part-time work for increased flexibility
- Adjusting your investment strategy to balance growth and stability
Small adjustments can make a sizable impact, even at this age, especially when you plan thoughtfully for your specific situation.
Bottom line
The average net worth at 68 may look impressive and unreachable. However, the median better reflects what the average American household has at this age. What matters most isn't how you compare to others, though. It's whether or not your income can support your budget.
It's important to consider how your net worth converts to usable income. A common rule of thumb suggests withdrawing around 3% to 4% annually, but that approach may need adjusting based on market conditions, health costs, and longevity. Looking at your assets through that lens (rather than just a total) can give you a much clearer picture of how reachable your retirement goals actually are.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- Bills to cut if money feels tight.
- Find out if you're overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks.
- Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank.
- 14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim.
/images/2021/04/21/adobestock_192812280_1200x628.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2020/03/02/tattoo-woman-bar.jpeg)
/images/2020/12/21/smiling-couple-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
Intro Offer
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2025/01/23/discover_it_cash_back_card_art_gold.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2020/06/29/pensive-woman-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
/images/2023/04/14/fit_woman_having_fun_with_adorable_mongrel_dogs.jpg)
/images/2024/09/12/hiding-cash-under-mattress.jpg)
/images/2025/01/11/dave-ramsey-in-a-podcast-studio.jpg)
/images/2026/05/08/gold-dome-georgia-capitol-building.jpg)
/images/2023/03/09/us-congress-building-with-dollars-in-background.jpeg)
/images/2026/05/06/concerned-senior-woman.jpg)
/images/2025/10/28/snap-benefits-store-signage.jpg)
/images/2026/01/28/donald-trump-shutterstock.jpg)
/images/2026/02/26/president-donald-trump.jpg)
