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While the average American retires around age 63, the concept of early retirement is a goal for many. This means that the question, are you allowed to retire by age 50, is increasingly relevant for ambitious savers and those pursuing financial independence, retire early (FIRE) principles.
According to a 2025 survey, the median 401(k) balance for those aged 60-69 is just over $210,000, underscoring the significant savings gap many face. This reality makes the question, **Why can't we retire at 50?**, far more complex than it seems, touching on critical financial and lifestyle factors.
According to a 2022 Federal Reserve study, the average retirement savings for households aged 45 to 54 is approximately $115,000. For those asking, "How realistic is it to retire at 50?" this statistic illustrates the significant financial gap many face, highlighting that while ambitious, retiring early requires strategic, disciplined planning far beyond the average savings rate.
