Personal Finance Tasks by the Decade

Although actual timing will vary from person to person (e.g., I completed a Ph.D. program in my 40s), below are some suggested financial milestones to achieve during each decade of adult life. Milestones achieved at an earlier age (e.g., a good credit score and an adequate emergency fund) should continue during subsequent years.

Age 30                

• Financial independence from parents (e.g., independent living arrangements and no “subsidies” to pay household expenses such as insurance premiums and cell phone bills)
• Student loan debt completely repaid or close to repayment (e.g., standard 10-year repayment plan)
• A year’s worth of salary (1x) saved for retirement
• A good credit history established with a credit score in the low- to mid-700s or higher
• Regular saving/investing and at least three to six months of income set aside for emergencies
• Educational credentials earned or near completion (e.g., certifications and graduate/professional degrees)
• Have current estate planning documents and life insurance to protect dependents or co-signers, if applicable
   

Age 40

• Three times annual salary (3x) saved for retirement; saving at least 15% of gross income
• College savings established for children, if applicable
• Increased investing expertise and diversification of investment portfolio assets
• Increased human capital (i.e., job skills and knowledge) to remain employable and earn promotions/raises
   

Age 50

• Six times annual salary (6x) saved for retirement; making catch-up retirement savings plan contributions
• Increased knowledge about the specifics of Social Security, Medicare, and employer retirement benefits
• Increased knowledge of aging parents’ finances and communication about caregiving-related issues
• Use of financial advisers, as needed, as net worth increases and finances become more complex
   

Age 60

• Eight times annual salary (8x) saved for retirement
• Paid off mortgage, home equity loan, and credit card debt prior to retirement
• Catch-up retirement strategies used, if needed (e.g., downsizing, moving, working longer, and selling assets)
• Learning new skills and/or making other preparations to transition to a “second act” job or volunteer role
   

To learn more about age-based financial planning milestones from age 0-10 through 90-100, read “Money Milestones for Each Decade” (Reuters).