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40 Money
& Investing Stats

  • 40 Money & Investing Stats

    Why Stats Matter

    Numbers tell the truth about money. They reveal how people actually save, spend, and invest — and they highlight the risks of going it alone. These 40 data points can help you make smarter financial decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

    Investor Behavior

    1. Dalbar research shows the average equity investor underperformed the S&P 500 by nearly 6% per year over 30 years due to poor timing and emotional decisions (Dalbar 2024).

    2. Vanguard finds that working with a financial advisor can add about 3% in net returns annually through planning, rebalancing, and behavior coaching (Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha 2023).

    3. Fidelity reports nearly 60% of investors try a DIY approach without an advisor, despite evidence that advice gaps cost long-term returns (Fidelity 2023).

    4. 70% of investors say they panic-sell during market downturns, locking in losses (Schroders 2024).

    5. 66% of Americans admit they don’t have a written financial plan (Charles Schwab 2023).

    Retirement Planning

    1. About 70% of retirees claim Social Security before full retirement age, often giving up higher lifetime benefits (SSA).

    2. The average monthly Social Security benefit in 2025 is $1,917 — far less than most people expect (SSA).

    3. JP Morgan estimates a 65-year-old couple will need about $300,000 saved to cover healthcare costs in retirement (JPM Guide to Retirement 2024).

    4. Only 29% of workers feel “very confident” about their retirement savings (EBRI 2024).

    5. The 4% withdrawal rule suggests retirees can draw 4% annually to last 30 years, though today’s rates and inflation make it a rough guideline.

    Savings & Spending

    1. Only 39% of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency expense from savings (Bankrate 2024).

    2. The median U.S. household savings balance is just $5,300 (Fed Reserve 2023).

    3. The 50/30/20 rule recommends allocating 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.

    4. Americans carry an average credit card balance of $6,501 (Experian 2024).

    5. 60% of households earning over $100,000 now carry credit card debt (Federal Reserve 2025).

    Investing & Markets

    1. 90% of millionaires built wealth through long-term investing and business ownership, not inheritance (Spectrem Group).

    2. Over a 20-year period, missing the 10 best market days cut returns in half (JP Morgan 2024).

    3. The S&P 500 has delivered an average annual return of about 10% over the past 50 years, despite short-term volatility (FactSet).

    4. Bonds returned just 2.3% annually over the last decade, compared to 12% for U.S. stocks (Morningstar 2024).

    5. Diversification across asset classes reduced volatility by up to 30% compared with stocks alone (BlackRock 2023).

    Taxes & Wealth Transfer

    1. Only 33% of Americans have an estate plan or will (Caring.com 2024).

    2. The federal estate tax exemption in 2025 is $13.61 million per person — scheduled to drop by half in 2026 without new legislation (IRS).

    3. 40% of people with a net worth above $1 million don’t have a trust in place (Cerulli 2024).

    4. The average tax refund in 2024 was $3,011 (IRS).

    5. Nearly 50% of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits (SSA).

    Retirement Accounts

    1. The 2025 401(k) contribution limit is $23,000, with an additional $7,500 catch-up for those 50+ (IRS).

    2. Workers ages 60–63 can contribute up to $34,750 thanks to an extra catch-up rule (IRS).

    3. The average 401(k) balance for people in their 60s is $182,100 (Vanguard 2024).

    4. Only 56% of U.S. workers have access to a workplace retirement plan (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

    5. Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions — a key advantage for estate and tax planning.

    Financial Wellness

    1. 73% of Americans rank finances as their number one stressor (APA 2024).

    2. People with a written budget are twice as likely to feel financially confident (NFCC 2023).

    3. 1 in 3 Americans have nothing saved for retirement (Fed Reserve 2024).

    4. Only 24% of millennials demonstrate basic financial literacy (Global Financial Literacy Survey).

    5. 54% of Gen Z investors say social media is their top source of financial information (CNBC 2024).

    Practical Rules & Benchmarks

    1. A healthy debt-to-income ratio is below 36%, with no more than 28% going to housing costs (Fannie Mae).

    2. Financial experts recommend 3–6 months of living expenses in emergency savings.

    3. Diversification is the primary driver of portfolio risk and return over time, accounting for more than 90% of variability (Brinson, Hood & Beebower study).

    4. Investors who automatically save at least 15% of income are far more likely to retire comfortably (Fidelity).

    5. Long-term investors who stayed invested during 2008 recovered within five years, while many who sold out locked in permanent losses (JP Morgan).

    Take Action

    These stats show the challenges and opportunities facing every investor. The difference comes down to having a plan. Want to see how these numbers apply to your situation? Schedule your consultation today.

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