Think you are ready to retire? Here’s the average income most Americans live on

People who want to retire soon are having a hard time. Prices are going up because of inflation, interest rates are high, and the stock market is not stable. In September 2025, inflation was 3.0%, a little higher than 2.9% in August. The average Social Security retirement payment in January 2025 was $1,976 a month, which is about $456 a week — not enough for a comfortable life.

Even people who have some savings or extra income find it hard to retire comfortably because prices are so high. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans aged 65 and older earn about $1,198 a week, or $62,296 a year in 2025, says Moneywise. Experts say it’s smart to keep saving money in retirement plans like IRAs or 401(k)s to have a safe future.

Gold and real estate investments for retirement income

Gold is called a “safe haven” because it stays more stable than stocks and has grown seven times in value over the last century. Priority Gold provides gold and silver IRAs with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and 5 stars on Trust Link. They offer free rollover, free shipping, and up to 5 years of free storage. Qualifying buyers get up to $10,000 in free silver.


You can use your Roth IRA to invest in real estate for stable, long-term income. FNRP allows investors to buy into commercial properties that serve essential businesses like Kroger, Walmart, and Whole Foods. The minimum investment is $50,000, and investors can earn passive income from property distributions, as per Moneywise. The firm handles property selection and management while investors can use an online platform to view deals and invest securely. ALSO READ: Trump quietly moves to slash key Social Security benefits - what are they?

Mogul, started by ex-Goldman Sachs real estate experts, lets you buy fractional ownership in high-quality rental properties. You earn monthly rent, property appreciation, and tax benefits — with no landlord work. Their average annual IRR is 18.8%, and cash-on-cash returns are 10–12%. Most properties cost between $15,000 and $40,000 to invest in and often sell out in under three hours.

Every property is owned in a separate company (Propco LLC), so investors legally own their share. Blockchain technology adds extra safety. Investors can open an account, verify their details, and begin investing “like a mogul” within minutes.

Rising expenses and smart saving tools for retirees

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says Americans aged 65 and older spent $57,818 on average in 2022, and that number is likely higher now due to inflation, as per Moneywise report. Because healthcare costs are growing, it’s dangerous to rely only on Social Security to cover all retirement expenses.

Acorns rounds up your purchase to the nearest dollar and invests the extra change into a diversified portfolio, helping you grow your money automatically. This helps you grow retirement savings every time you buy something. Because expenses keep increasing faster than income, more older Americans are rejoining the workforce. If you’re unsure about your future, it’s smart to talk to a financial advisor to create a plan.

FAQs

Q1. What is the average income for American retirees in 2025?

The average income for Americans aged 65 and older in 2025 is about $62,296 per year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q2. Is Social Security enough to live on after retirement?

No, the average Social Security payment of $1,976 per month is often not enough to cover rising living and medical costs.