Generation X Women Face a Retirement Reality Check: How 2025 Savings Stack Up

The retirement savings gap between men and women remains stark, with women holding a median of $56,000 compared to men’s $92,000 — and the situation varies dramatically across generations. A recent Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies survey reveals troubling patterns, especially for Gen X women who are rapidly approaching retirement years.

Gen Z Women Are Building Momentum — But Face a Long Road

Gen Z women, currently ages up to 28, have accumulated a median of $26,000 in retirement savings. While this seems modest, experts view it optimistically. “Gen Z women are the best positioned to be on track with their savings,” said Catherine Collinson, CEO of the Transamerica Institute. The advantage lies in timing — Gen Z began saving around age 20 on average, compared to boomer women who started at 35. This 15-year head start allows compound growth to work powerfully in their favor.

The challenge for Gen Z is maintaining discipline. Collinson advised: “Keep up the good work, stay the course, and learn about the investment options in your 401(k).”

Millennial Women: Juggling Multiple Demands Threatens Progress

Millennial women workers (ages 29 to 44) have saved a median of $52,000 — nearly double Gen Z’s amount, yet still falling short of what experts recommend. The critical issue? Multiple competing priorities. Many are simultaneously managing careers, raising children, and potentially caring for aging parents.

“They’re pulled in a lot of different directions, and it’s easy to lose focus,” Collinson explained. She emphasized that millennial women must resist disruptions to their savings trajectory and engage in comprehensive financial planning rather than reactive money management.

Gen X Women: The Generation at Highest Risk

This is where retirement planning concerns intensify. Gen X women, ages 45 to 60 in 2025, have median retirement savings of just $77,000 — a figure that alarms experts given how close retirement looms. The oldest members of this generation are now entering their 60s.

“I lose sleep over Generation X,” Collinson said bluntly. “They’re at high risk of not being on track.”

For Gen X women specifically, Collinson recommended aggressive action: maintain job skills through continuous learning, strengthen professional networks, and pursue development opportunities that boost earning capacity during these final working years. The logic is straightforward — higher income now translates directly to larger retirement contributions later.

Baby Boomer Women: Preserving What They’ve Built

Baby boomer women (ages 61 to 79) have the strongest nest egg at $165,000 median savings. But according to Collinson, preservation becomes paramount. “That’s a nest egg, but you really want to preserve it.”

Strategic decisions about Social Security claims matter enormously. Many people claim benefits at 62 — the earliest eligibility age — accepting substantial monthly reductions. Waiting until full retirement age (around 67) or age 70 significantly increases monthly payments. Extended work and delayed claiming can stretch savings considerably in retirement.

Beyond Social Security optimization, Collinson advised: “Know exactly where you stand financially. Understand any big shortfalls or risks, and explore everything from reducing living expenses to researching affordable housing. Leave no stone unturned.”

The Broader Picture: Women’s Retirement Crisis

The gap between genders and the variability across generations highlight a systemic challenge. Women face structural disadvantages — lower average earnings, career interruptions for caregiving, and longer lifespans requiring more resources. The data shows that without deliberate intervention, many women will outlive their savings.

The takeaway? Financial planning isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re Gen X women beginning your final working decade or Gen Z women with time on your side, proactive engagement with retirement strategy, Social Security optimization, and consistent saving can close the gap between where you are and where you need to be.