A large number of Americans are realizing they’re not as prepared for retirement as they hoped, they hoped they would be and personal finance expert Tony Robbins thinks that’s a wake-up call. According to The Street, a report written by Robbins, states that the first step in turning things around isn’t complicated or technical, it’s simply deciding to take control.
There are many Americans who still rely on Social Security to finance their retirement. However, with average monthly benefits around $2,000, this figure is sometimes insufficient to cover basic expenses, let alone support the lifestyle many hope for. That gap is pushing more people to look into other income sources, like personal savings, investments, and employer-sponsored plans.
Why One Income Stream Isn’t Enough
Data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute shows that most people are already looking beyond Social Security. Around 84% of workers plan to tap into employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s, 77% are counting on personal savings and investments, and 68% expect to use Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Robbins sees this as a smart move. He’s long argued that Social Security alone was never designed to fully support retirees. With people living longer and costs rising, relying on it as your main lifeline is risky. Instead, he urges Americans to build a retirement strategy that reflects both their current lifestyle and future goals.
Face the Numbers, Don’t Avoid Them
Robbins keeps it blunt: too many people are still dodging the reality of their financial situation. His message is simple, face the numbers. Figure out what you make, what you owe, what you spend, and what you’ve managed to save.
It can feel like a lot, but knowing exactly where you stand is the only way to build a real plan. Put it off too long, and catching up gets a lot tougher.
“You can work toward the ultimate retirement dream,” Robbins says, “which is complete financial freedom—the ability to live how you want without fear of running out of money.”
Robbins’ Formula for Estimating Retirement Needs
To help people get started, Robbins offers a simple formula: calculate your annual expenses, then multiply that number by 20. That gives you a ballpark figure for how much you’ll need to support yourself for roughly two decades after retirement. It’s not a perfect science, but it’s a useful starting point, especially for those who have no idea what they’ll actually need.
Robbins highlights the importance of focusing on your spending, not just your income. Many people underestimate how much they’ll need because they’re not accounting for lifestyle creep or inflation. He encourages people to track their yearly expenses now, both to develop better habits and to uncover opportunities to save more.
Don’t Just Plan to Get By — Plan to Enjoy Life
Robbins isn’t a fan of just getting by. He pushes people to think bigger, what does your dream retirement actually look like? Traveling, relocating, picking up new hobbies, whatever it is, figure out what it would cost each year and multiply that by 20.
It might feel like a stretch, but for Robbins, aiming for a life you actually want is what makes saving and planning feel worth it.
The final story
Robbins message is basically a call to action. It is important for citizens to note that retirement does not need to stressful, as long as you start planning now. Remember, that avoiding the problem won’t make it go away therefore you need to be realistic about your finances. Be sure to set clear goals and strategize according to your needs.
In his words, financial confidence begins with clarity. And there’s no better time to find that clarity than right now.