In spite of recent research showing that many aren’t saving adequately, most millennials and Generation Xers plan on retiring before they reach 65.
In fact, Americans in general peg 61 years old to be the ideal retirement age, according to Bankrate’s Financial Milestones Survey, released this week.
For millennials aged 18 to 37, 61 is the ideal age for retirement, according to the survey. For Gen Xers, aged 38 to 53, 61 is just too old—they plan to retire at age 60.
Older respondents were more conservative, and perhaps more realistic, in their ideal retirement ages. Baby boomers, aged 54 to 72, said 64 was the best age to retire, while the already retired silent generation, aged 73 and over, said that 65 was an ideal age.
In the survey, male and female respondents also diverged on the best age to retire. The average man believes the ideal retirement age is 60, while women say it is 62. The differences could be due to longevity, the persistent gender wage gap and lifestyle choices like caregiving.
Among all the survey participants, the largest financial regret is failing to save for retirement.
Bankrate asked participants to say what the proper age was to achieve certain financial milestones. Among all participants, 21 was the right age to buy or lease a first car, and 22 was the ideal age to open a first credit card and start saving for retirement. Respondents also said that 28 was the ideal age to buy a first house, and 61 was the right age to retire.
Bankrate’s survey was conducted from June 27 to July 2, 2018, among 1,001 respondents.