This article is based on data from official government and regulatory sources. How we ensure accuracy
Survey-based estimates put average UK savings meaningfully higher than the typical (median) saver holds — high savers pull the average up. Here’s an illustrative picture of how savings compare across age groups and how to tell if you’re on track; treat the exact figures below as indicative rather than a precise current survey result, since underlying survey data varies by source and year.
Average vs Median Savings by Age (Illustrative)
Age Group
Illustrative Mean (Average) Savings
Illustrative Median Savings
18–24
£3,500
£1,000
25–34
£9,500
£3,500
35–44
£16,500
£6,000
45–54
£25,000
£10,500
55–64
£38,000
£15,000
65–74
£42,000
£18,000
75+
£35,000
£14,000
All ages
£17,000
£7,500
The average is typically pulled up by high savers — the median (middle person) gives a more realistic picture for most people. These figures are illustrative benchmarks based on commonly cited UK savings survey ranges and were not independently re-verified against a specific named 2026 survey for this update — treat them as directional rather than precise.
How Many People Have No Savings? (Illustrative)
Age Group
% With No Savings
% With Under £1,000
18–24
28%
45%
25–34
22%
38%
35–44
18%
32%
45–54
15%
28%
55–64
12%
23%
65+
10%
20%
All ages
18%
32%
A significant share of UK adults report having little or no savings — figures above are illustrative estimates based on commonly cited UK survey ranges.
Savings Distribution (Illustrative)
Savings Amount
% of Adults
£0 (no savings)
18%
£1 – £1,000
14%
£1,000 – £5,000
16%
£5,000 – £10,000
11%
£10,000 – £25,000
14%
£25,000 – £50,000
10%
£50,000 – £100,000
8%
Over £100,000
9%
Savings Benchmarks: Are You on Track? (Illustrative)
Financial advisers commonly recommend saving 3-6 months of expenses as an emergency fund, plus building long-term wealth. Here’s an illustrative guide to where you might aim:
Age
Illustrative Emergency Fund Target
Illustrative “Good” Total Savings
Illustrative “Excellent” Total Savings
25
£5,000 – £8,000
£5,000+
£15,000+
30
£6,000 – £10,000
£15,000+
£40,000+
35
£7,000 – £12,000
£25,000+
£75,000+
40
£8,000 – £13,000
£40,000+
£120,000+
50
£8,000 – £14,000
£75,000+
£200,000+
60
£8,000 – £14,000
£120,000+
£300,000+
These figures are savings only, and are illustrative benchmarks rather than a specific survey result — not including pension wealth or property equity.
Monthly Savings by Age (Illustrative)
Age Group
Illustrative Average Monthly Savings
As % of Take-Home Pay
18–24
£120
7%
25–34
£180
8%
35–44
£200
8%
45–54
£250
9%
55–64
£300
11%
65+
£150
8%
All ages
£200
8%
Most estimates suggest people save roughly 8% of their take-home pay on average. Financial experts commonly recommend 15-20% including pension contributions.
Compare current rates directly with providers before choosing — rates for every product type above change frequently. As confirmed directly at nsandi.com on September 16, 2026, the NS&I Premium Bonds prize fund rate is currently 4.35% (variable), with odds of 21,000 to 1 per £1 bond per monthly draw — see our Premium Bonds guide for details.
Personal Savings Allowance (Confirmed gov.uk, September 2026)
Tax Band
Tax-Free Savings Interest
Basic rate (20%)
£1,000
Higher rate (40%)
£500
Additional rate (45%)
£0
How to Save More
The 50/30/20 Rule for UK Incomes (Illustrative)
For someone earning £30,000 (illustrative £24,000 take-home):
Category
%
Monthly Amount
Needs (rent, bills, food, transport)
50%
£1,000
Wants (dining, entertainment, subscriptions)
30%
£600
Savings & debt repayment
20%
£400
Impact of Saving £200/Month (Illustrative Growth Projections)
The table below uses assumed rates of return for illustration only — actual investment returns vary and are not guaranteed, and this is not a prediction of future performance.
Median UK savings are commonly estimated well below the average — the average is skewed by high savers; these are illustrative benchmarks, not a specific verified 2026 survey figure
A meaningful share of adults have little or no savings — commonly cited estimates suggest roughly 1 in 5 have none and around a third have under £1,000
Most people save a modest share of take-home pay — aim for 15-20% including pension contributions where possible
Older working-age and early-retirement age groups tend to have the highest median savings in most survey data
Use your ISA allowance for tax-free growth — up to £20,000/year for the 2026/27 tax year, confirmed at gov.uk
The Personal Savings Allowance gives basic-rate taxpayers £1,000 tax-free interest, confirmed at gov.uk, September 2026
Start small and check current rates — consistent saving compounds meaningfully over a decade even at modest interest rates, but always confirm the current rate at your chosen provider
WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy
