Rocco:

Great headline. After reading agree on the wrong headedness of the financial service industry to set the bar so high. This has often times the opposite effect on those looking to save for retirement. Instead of buckling down to hit the number, they get exasperated and decide to ignore such fixed numbers to be “successful” in retirement.

I think another factor that no one talks about are the life events that happen that could have an additive effect on your savings total. You sell your house and make $75,000, an aunt passes away and leaves you $10,000. You payoff your college loans and have an extra $950 per month. Over the course of 25–40 years it all adds up!

It’s not on any financial spreadsheet but could make a large difference.