The average Americans retirement magic number for 2025 is $1.26 milliondown $200K from 2024, yet still out of reach for many.
One in four Americans with retirement savings have only one year or less of their annual income set aside.
More than half of Americans fear outliving their savings, but over a third have taken no steps to prevent it.
As inflation cools, Americans expectations for what they need to retire comfortably are shifting, but the gap between goals and reality remains fairly wide. According to Northwestern Mutuals newly released 2025 Planning & Progress Study, the average magic number Americans believe theyll need to retire has dropped to $1.26 million. Thats a $200,000 decrease from 2024s $1.46 million estimate and roughly even with 2022 and 2023 expectations.
While this lower figure might reflect decreased anxiety over inflationwhich dropped from 6% in 2023 to around 3% in 2024, it doesnt mean people are feeling more secure. In fact, financial anxiety remains widespread.
A full 25% of Americans with retirement savings report having only one year or less of their annual income set aside. And more than half (51%) of Americans believe its at least somewhat likely they will outlive their nest egg, with only 16% saying its very unlikely.
Americans' 'magic number' to retire comfortably has come downbut it remains high, far beyond what many people have actually saved, John Roberts, chief field officer at Northwestern Mutual, said in a press release. He added that peoples perceptions may be adjusting as inflation expectations settle, but concern about retirement preparedness has intensified.
Retirement savings: A generation gap
The study highlights troubling disparities in retirement readiness across generations. Generation X, many of whom are nearing retirement age, appear particularly vulnerable: 52% have saved three times their current income or less, and a majority (54%) dont believe they will be financially ready to retire.
In contrast, younger generations seem both more proactive and more optimistic. Gen Z, for instance, started saving at an average age of 24, plans to retire by 61, and over a third (34%) believe theyll live to 100. Boomers, on the other hand, began saving around age 37, expect to retire by 72, and only 23% anticipate reaching the century mark.
Gen Z is the most confident generation in terms of retirement preparedness, not surprising since they have the longest time horizon. However, they may be overlooking key aspects of financial planning.
A majority (61% of Gen Z and 60% of millennials) admit they are overly focused on investing and wealth-building while neglecting protective measures like life and disability insurancestrategies boomers are more likely to embrace.
Monthly saving goals by age
For individuals aiming to hit the $1.26 million retirement target by age 65, starting age significantly impacts required monthly contributions. Assuming a 7% annual return:
A 20-year-old would need to save $330/month.
A 30-year-old would need $695/month.
A 40-year-old would need $1,547/month.
A 50-year-old would need $3,958/month.
These figures underscore the steep cost of delayed savinga challenge for those who started late or had interruptions in their financial journey.
Northwestern Mutual recommends replacing roughly 80% of ones pre-retirement income, but stresses that retirement plans should be customized. Factors such as desired lifestyle, retirement age, and living location heavily influence individual needs.
Rules of thumb are everywhere, but nothing is better than a financial plan thats personalized and custom-built just for you, said Roberts.
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Shoppers are tightening their budgets and delaying purchases as tariffs and inflation drive uncertainty, with 40% capping holiday spending at $500 and 70% planning to buy fewer gifts if prices rise.
Tariffs could add unexpected costs to imported gifts, especially now that the de minimis exemption on packages under $800 has ended meaning more shoppers may face extra duties and fees at delivery.
Smart shopping strategies can help stretch budgets, including using price-tracking tools, watching early and holiday sales, and staying flexible on brands or product types to find the best value.
Holiday shopping usually kicks off with excitement and maybe a little panic. However, this year, many consumers are taking a more cautious approach.
According to new data from project44s 2025 Annual State of Consumer Holiday Shopping Report, shoppers are feeling the squeeze.
Eight in ten say theyre worried tariffs will make gifts more expensive, and most plan to respond by tightening their budgets or buying fewer presents altogether. In fact, 40% of shoppers have set a $500 spending cap for the season, while others are waiting to see how prices shake out before filling their carts.
ConsumerAffairs spoke with project44s Senior Data Analyst Jenna Slagle, to learn more about how the combination of inflation and tariff uncertainty will likely shift shopping behavior this holiday season.
Are tariffs expected to impact holiday shopping?
According to Slagle, the short answer is yes.
We can expect consumers to approach this holiday season with caution and conservative budgets, she said. This years consumers are going to be more cost-conscious than in years past, with 70% of surveyed consumers reporting they plan to purchase fewer gifts if tariffs impact pricing.
What should shoppers know about tariffs and holiday shopping?
Though tariffs remain in the headlines, it can be difficult to know exactly how they will impact shoppers this holiday season. Slagle broke it all down:
Shoppers should be aware that when ordering items shipped directly from another country, they are responsible for all applicable tariffs, duties, and processing fees unless the website specifically includes these costs, she said.
The de minimis exemption, which previously waived duties on packages under $800, has ended, meaning more imported items may carry additional charges. These fees are typically collected by the shipping carrier (UPS, FedEx, USPS) at delivery. To avoid surprises, check the country of origin and review any tariffs or processing fees before completing your purchase.
Does waiting to shop pay off?
While many retailers have already held early holiday sales, and Black Friday is right around the corner, does it pay off financially to take advantage of these sales? Or should consumers wait it out for the best prices?
It depends on your priorities, Slagle explained. Early sales can lock in deals and help avoid last-minute shipping delays, while waiting allows consumers to take advantage of holiday-specific promotions like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Given the uncertainty around tariffs and shipping costs, it can be smart to monitor prices early and plan purchases strategically, balancing savings with delivery timing.
Is saving an option this holiday season?
With budgets tight and the impact of tariffs looming, are there ways for consumers to still be frugal this holiday season? Slagle recommends that consumers take advantage of the options that are available to them to make their purchases have the most value.
Consumers looking to save can take advantage of sales and use price-tracking tools to ensure they are getting the best deal, she said. Flexibility with item type or brand can also help stretch budgets. For example, shopping within a general category, like headphones, offers more options and price ranges than focusing on a single brand or model.
RemoteJobs.io ranked 15 flexible, high-paying careers ideal for stay-at-home moms in 2025.
The list spans entry-level jobs like online tutoring to six-figure roles in marketing and finance.
Experts say remote work lets moms build fulfilling careers while staying present for their families.
The days of choosing between career and family are quickly fading.
According to a new report from RemoteJobs.io, remote work is opening up a world of opportunities for stay-at-home moms who want both flexibility and financial security. Released as part of the platforms 2025 Best Stay-At-Home Mom Jobs Report, the list highlights 15 remote-friendly careers that pay well, require little to moderate education, and allow mothers to work on their own terms.
The traditional in-office 9-to-5 doesnt fit everyone, especially parents," Lauren Mastroni, Career Expert at RemoteJobs.io, said in a news release.
"Remote work offers a realistic way for stay-at-home moms to re-enter the workforce or start new careers that align with their family routines. These roles give moms the ability to use their skills as well as expand their income and maintain their identity beyond parenting, all while staying close to the people who matter most.
How the rankings were made
To build the list, RemoteJobs.io analyzed data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and O*NET Online, focusing on roles where women make up the majority of workers between ages 20 and 44. The report excluded jobs that typically require advanced degrees, instead zeroing in on roles accessible with a bachelors degree or less.
Each occupation was evaluated for income potential, growth outlook, and remote feasibility using RemoteJobs.ios proprietary database of verified remote positions. Only jobs with median annual salaries above $40,000 and steady projected growth through 2034 made the cut.
The 15 Best Remote Jobs for Stay-at-Home Moms
The report divided the top 15 list into three categories: Most Flexible Work-From-Home Jobs, Work-From-Home Jobs for Moms with No Experience, and Highest-Paying Remote Jobs for Moms.
Here are todays top U.S. food recall / outbreak alerts. Some of these may have been reported earlier but are still "live" and deserving of your attention.
Prepared pasta meals / pasta salads (multiple brands, via Nates / FreshRealm supply chain)
Hazard: Listeria monocytogenes contamination in precooked pasta used in readytoeat meals and deli salads
Affected states / retailers: 15 states so far, products sold via Kroger, Walmart, Albertsons, Trader Joes, Sprouts, Giant Eagle, etc. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Illnesses / injuries: 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, 4 deaths (plus 1 fetal loss) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Full notice: FDA 2025 Recalls of Prepared Pasta Meals (Frozen and ReadyToEat) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Frozen organic spinach (Del Mar / Sno Pac)
Hazard: Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Affected states / retailers: nationwide distribution; Del Mar bulk spinach used to repack Sno Pac 10oz containers sold across U.S. (Allrecipes)
Illnesses / injuries: No illnesses reported to date (Allrecipes)
Full notice: FDA recall listing (via Ongoing Recalls) (Allrecipes)
Bens Original / Ready Rice (Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, Long Grain & Wild)
Hazard: presence of small stones / hard foreign material
Affected states / retailers: nationwide sold at HEB, Target, Amazon, Piggly Wiggly, etc. (Health)
Illnesses / injuries: None reported so far (risk of oral/digestive injury) (Health)
Full notice: FDA / company recall (via press) Bens Original Recall: Ready Rice (Health)
Wawa beverage products (3 items)
Hazard: potential foreign object contamination
Affected states / retailers: Wawa stores in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (Allrecipes)
Illnesses / injuries: None publicly reported so far (Allrecipes)
Full notice: FDA recall announcement (via media) (Allrecipes)
Ground cinnamon (16 brands, multiple names)
Hazard: elevated lead levels
Affected states / retailers: brands like HATAE, Roshni, Durra, Wise Wife, Jiva Organic, Super Brand; sold broadly (including CT) (CT Insider)
Illnesses / injuries: Lead exposureespecially risky for children, but no acute outbreak reported (CT Insider)
Full notice: FDA recall listing (updated Oct 2025) (CT Insider)
Veggie Spring Rolls (Aldi / Fusia Asian Inspirations)
Hazard: undeclared shrimp (allergen risk)
Affected states / retailers: sold nationwide via Aldi stores (Health)
Illnesses / injuries: None reported to date (allergic risk) (Health)
Full notice: FDA recall entry / company notice via Aldi & Tai Foong USA (Health)
Ongoing Listeria outbreak expansion Prepared meals (FreshRealm / beef meatball marinara linguine added)
Hazard: Listeria monocytogenes contamination
Affected states / retailers: meals distributed via FreshRealm; broad geographic scope as part of existing outbreak (CDC)
Illnesses / injuries: 3 additional illnesses and 1 additional death added in latest update (CDC)
Full notice: CDC media release CDC expands Listeria outbreak alert (CDC)
If no further new recalls are found, these represent the current highpriority alerts as of today.
Scammers are exploiting confusion around the government shutdown with fake calls and texts impersonating agencies like the IRS and Social Security Administration.
TNS expert John Haraburda warns of rising AI-driven , including fake political town halls and fraudulent fundraising campaigns.
Consumers should stay alert, verify information through official sources, and report suspicious messages to the FTC or their State Attorney General.
With the government shutdown officially taking effect, many Americans are understandably confused about what it means for their Social Security checks, Medicare benefits, or tax refunds.
Unfortunately, scammers are wasting no time taking advantage of that uncertainty. Across the country, people are getting realistic-sounding calls and texts claiming to be from government agencies like the IRS or Social Security Administration often warning of service interruptions or asking people to verify personal information.
To help consumers avoid these , ConsumerAffairs spoke with John Haraburda, a robocall scam expert with Transaction Network Services (TNS). He explained that the volume of these impersonation attempts is rising fast, and AI-driven sound more convincing than ever.
Haraburda breaks down what these look like, why shutdown news has become their perfect cover, and what steps consumers can take right now to protect themselves.
The biggest risks
According to Harabuda, there are two main types of scam risks related to the government shutdown: election fraud threat and fundraising .
Bad actors impersonate members of Congress and host fake virtual town halls with fraudulent donation requests designed to capture personal or financial information, Harabuda said.
Weve also seen an increase in fundraising claiming to support government organizations impacted by the shutdown and allegedly lacking funds.
Where you are may play a role
While these are popping up nationwide, Harabuda says that consumers in some areas may be more susceptible than others.
There has been a noticeable uptick in spam traffic in Washington, D.C., he explained. In general, cities with federal offices or military bases have been targeted by fraudsters throughout the shutdown.
How to protect yourself from these
Harabuda shared the top four tips for consumers to protect themselves from getting caught up in one of these :
Do not click on unknown links: These spam attacks often prompt users to donate, directing them to malicious websites that request bank account details, credit card numbers, or other sensitive personal information. Never share personal or financial details through unverified links.
Verify with official sources: Before clicking on suspicious links, confirm the legitimacy of any political or charitable cause through official websites or trusted organizations.
Look for red flags: Even convincing robocalls and robotexts may contain small errors such as misspelled names, incorrect organization titles, or unofficial web addresses.
Report and block: Block any number that sends a suspicious call or text, and report the scam to the FTC or your State Attorney General.
If Americans find themselves caught in one of these government shutdown , they should hang up immediately, report the number to their State Attorney General, and block it from their phone, Harabuda said.
Textron E-Z-GO recall for thousands of personal vehicles due to fire risk
Owners of E-Z-GO personal transportation vehicles should stop use and schedule a free repair due to a significant fuel leak hazard.
Fuel can leak at engine connection, risking fire and injury
About 90,800 vehicles in the US, plus 7,300 in Canada, recalled
Owners should arrange for a free repair through Textron E-Z-GO
Textron E-Z-GO LLC is recalling about 90,800 E-Z-GO personal transportation vehicles (PTVs) sold in the United States, with an additional 7,300 units sold in Canada, due to a serious fire and injury hazard. Owners should stop using the vehicles immediately and contact the company for a free repair.
The hazard
The recalled vehicles can leak fuel at the quick-connect fitting between the fuel line and the fuel injector mounted on the engine. This defect poses a risk of serious injury and fire. No injuries have been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the affected PTVs and contact Textron E-Z-GO to schedule a free repair.
Company contact
Textron E-Z-GO
Toll-free: 888-438-3946, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
Consumers should stop use and request a refund from Wilteexs
About 1,100 Wilteexs-branded bioethanol fuel bottles are being recalled due to a violation of federal safety standards. The bottles lack flame mitigation devices, posing a deadly flash fire risk, and also carry misleading Non Toxic claims. No injuries have been reported.
The hazard
The recalled bioethanol bottles lack required flame mitigation devices, which can result in a dangerous flash fire. The bottles also carry deceptive disclaimers, violating hazardous substances regulations.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the bottles immediately and contact Wilteexs for a refund.
Belivium baby lounger recall over suffocation and entrapment danger
Parents should stop using Belivium baby loungers purchased on Amazon and request a refund due to serious safety violations.
Loungers violate infant sleep product standards, risking suffocation and entrapment
About 280 units recalled, sold in various colors and prints
Consumers urged to stop use and contact Belivium for a refund
Belivium baby loungers sold on Amazon are being recalled due to multiple violations of infant sleep safety standards. The loungers pose suffocation, fall and entrapment hazards for infants.
The hazard
The loungers have side and pad dimensions that do not meet safety requirements, creating suffocation, fall and entrapment risks. The design creates an unsafe sleeping environment for infants.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the baby loungers immediately and contact Belivium to request a refund.
WLIVE recall for tens of thousands of fabric dressers due to tip-over risk
Owners of WLIVE 12-drawer dressers should stop use and request a refund due to serious tip-over and entrapment hazards.
Dressers can tip over if not anchored, risking injury or death to children
About 76,500 units recalled, sold in various colors on Amazon
Stop use and contact WLIVE for a refund
WLIVE fabric 12-drawer dressers, sold in multiple colors on Amazon, are recalled due to instability and violation of federal safety standards. The dressers pose a serious risk of tipping over and trapping children.
The hazard
If not anchored to the wall, these dressers can tip over, posing a risk of serious injury or death to children. One tip-over incident has been reported.
What to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled dressers and contact WLIVE for a full refund.
Company contact
WLIVE
Collect: 833-367-7572, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
Email: wliveproductrecall@wlivehome.com
Online: wlivehome.com (Recall at the top of the page)
Super Wheels recall for 1,860 Vaast A/1 bicycles over fall risk
Consumers must stop using Vaast A/1 bicycles and frames immediately due to the risk of frame fractures and falls.
Hairline frame fractures can cause tube separation and falls
1,860 bicycles and framesets affected in the US
Stop use and contact Super Wheels for free frame replacement and repair
Super Wheels Inc. is recalling 1,860 Vaast A/1 bicycles and framesets after reports of frame fractures and falls. Consumers are urged to stop using the bikes immediately.
The hazard
Hairline fractures may develop near a weld in the frame, potentially causing the tubes to separate and leading to a fall. There have been 22 reports of frame fractures and three of tube separation, including one minor injury.
What to do
Stop using the bicycles and framesets immediately. Register your bike with the company to receive a free replacement frame and up to $200 to cover the cost of rebuilding the bike at a shop.
Company contact
Super Wheels Inc. (formerly Allite Inc.)
Toll-free: 855-430-6240, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
RH recall for hundreds of Byron tables and desks due to collapse hazard
SUBTITLE:
Consumers should stop using RH Byron tables and desks and request a refund after a reported collapse and injury.
Tables and desks can collapse if a gap forms, risking injury
About 750 units recalled in the US
Stop use and contact RH for a refund
RH US, LLC is recalling about 750 Byron tables and desks after a reported collapse resulted in lacerations. Affected products include several models in stone, marble or wood.
The hazard
A gap between the leg and tabletop can cause the furniture to collapse when force is applied, putting users at risk for injury.
What to do
Stop using the recalled tables and desks immediately and contact RH for a refund.
Company contact
RH
Toll-free: 833-359-5394, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
iFIT recall for tens of thousands of NordicTrack rowers due to fire hazard
Owners of NordicTrack RW900 rowing machines should stop use and arrange a free repair after fire and property damage reports.
Console can overheat and ignite, risking fire
About 44,800 units recalled in the US, plus 700 in Canada
Stop use and contact iFIT for a free repair
iFIT Inc. is recalling about 44,800 NordicTrack RW900 rowing machines after reports of smoking, melting and fire. Owners should stop using the machines and request a repair.
The hazard
The screen console of the affected rowing machines can overheat and ignite, posing a fire risk. There have been eight incidents, including two fires and at least $6,000 in property damage.
What to do
Stop using the recalled machines immediately and contact iFIT to arrange a free repair.
Company contact
iFIT
Toll-free: 833-680-4348, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday
VESTA.DS recall for tens of thousands of tankless water heaters due to CO poisoning risk
Households with VST-brand gas boilers should stop using affected models and arrange a free repair to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
Exhaust duct can crack, risking carbon monoxide poisoning or death
About 36,700 units recalled in the US, plus 3,500 in Canada
Consumers should contact VESTA.DS for free repair
VESTA.DS, Inc. is recalling about 36,700 VST-brand wall-mounted gas boilers due to a cracked exhaust duct that can release dangerous gases inside the home.
The hazard
A crack in the exhaust duct allows exhaust gases, including carbon monoxide, to escape indoors. This can result in serious injury or death. There have been 33 reports of cracked exhaust ducts, but no injuries.
What to do
Stop using the affected boilers and contact VESTA.DS for a free repair.
Company contact
VESTA.DS
Toll-free: 888-505-5525, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
About 19,300 Yamaha golf cars from 20212025 models affected
Owners should schedule a free stoplight installation through Yamaha
Yamaha Golf Car Company is recalling about 19,300 model year 20212025 Drive 2 Personal Transportation Vehicles due to a lack of stop lights, creating a crash hazard.
The hazard
The recalled golf cars do not have stop lights, which increases the risk of serious injury or death in a crash.
What to do
Owners should stop using the vehicles and contact a Yamaha dealer to schedule a free stoplight installation. Yamaha can provide transportation or install the fix at your location if needed.
Company contact
Yamaha
Toll-free: 866-747-4027, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET every day
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