Typical Stock Portfolio Patterns for Individuals in Their

Essential Insights

• Individuals in their 60s generally have retirement accounts with an average stock value exceeding $300,000, though the typical (median) account holds closer to $100,000.

• Taxable brokerage account balances can differ greatly, but data shows that many active, soon-to-retire investors maintain balances ranging from low to mid-six figures.

As retirement approaches, many people question whether their investment portfolios will generate sufficient income. For most Americans, the majority of these assets are held in qualified retirement accounts like 401(k) plans and IRAs. Over 80% of people in their 60s participate in retirement plans, but only about 35% have brokerage accounts.

This leads to a common question: What is the typical stock portfolio size for those in their 60s?

Examining the Numbers

Although only a fraction of Americans in their 60s have taxable brokerage accounts, those who do often possess substantial assets outside of their retirement plans. According to the Federal Reserve, households aged 55–64 have a median of about $30,000 in directly held stocks and $300,000 in pooled investment funds outside retirement accounts. For those aged 65–74, these medians are approximately $65,000 and $250,000, respectively. This suggests that older investors with taxable portfolios often have balances in the low to mid-six figures.

Industry research echoes these findings at the higher end. Charles Schwab’s most recent Self-Directed Brokerage Account Indicators report shows that the average self-directed brokerage window within workplace retirement plans reached roughly $362,000 in the second quarter of 2025.

Baby Boomers (ages 61 to 79 in 2025) had the highest average balances at about $599,000, while Gen X investors (the oldest of whom turned 60 this year) averaged $379,000. These numbers reflect more active investors and serve as a realistic upper benchmark.

Typical Retirement Account Balances

To gauge your own standing, consider the averages for defined-contribution retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs, as reported by Vanguard:

Understanding Averages and Medians

Notice that average balances are significantly higher than medians, as a few very large accounts can raise the average. For most people, the median provides a more accurate picture of typical savings.

IRA Balances

Fidelity also tracks average IRA balances. Many individuals have both a workplace 401(k) and contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA. For Baby Boomers, the average IRA balance at Fidelity in 2025 is $257,000.

If we estimate the median to be about one-third of the average, as seen with 401(k) accounts, then typical retirement savings for people in their 60s would be in the $500,000 to $550,000 range, with a median around $180,000.

Stock Allocation Within Retirement Accounts

Vanguard’s research indicates that Americans aged 55 to 64 hold about 64% of their 401(k) assets in stocks, while those 65 and older have about 50% in stocks. This decrease aligns with the tendency to reduce risk as people age.

Assuming roughly 60% of a typical retirement portfolio for someone in their 60s is invested in stocks—consistent with many target-date funds—the average stock holdings would be about $300,000, and the median just over $100,000 within retirement accounts.

It’s important to remember that 401(k)s and IRAs are designed for long-term savings, with access typically restricted until retirement, often with tax implications or penalties for early withdrawals. In contrast, brokerage accounts are flexible, taxable, and allow for regular investing, trading, and withdrawals at any time. Stocks can be held directly or indirectly through mutual funds or ETFs in all these accounts.

Brokerage Account Stock Holdings

Roughly 36% of Americans in their 60s have a brokerage account, and about 29% report owning stocks. While this is a minority compared to those with retirement plans, it’s still valuable to assess these holdings.

Federal Reserve data shows that averages can be skewed by a few extremely large accounts—some exceeding $1 billion. Excluding the top and bottom 1% provides a more realistic snapshot for this age group:

• Average stock value in brokerage accounts: $5,400,000 (adjusted to 2025 dollars using inflation data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Median stock value in brokerage accounts: $535,000

Questions to Consider

While averages and medians are helpful benchmarks, they shouldn’t be viewed as strict standards. To evaluate your own financial readiness, consider these tips:

• Assess your savings multiple: Financial experts often recommend saving eight times your annual income by age 60, and about ten times by age 67, adjusting for your lifestyle and retirement plans.
• Compare your savings to your expected expenses: A common rule is to accumulate about 25 times your anticipated yearly retirement spending (based on a 4% withdrawal rate), though some advisors suggest aiming even higher.
• Evaluate your contribution rate: Aim to save 15% to 20% of your income, including any employer contributions.
• Review your stock allocation: Maintaining 50% to 60% in stocks in your early 60s, and gradually reducing this allocation as you age, is generally recommended. However, your ideal allocation depends on your risk tolerance, health, and other income sources.
• Include all assets in your calculations: Consider IRAs, old 401(k)s, pensions, brokerage and bank accounts, Social Security estimates, HSA balances, and home equity—not just your current employer’s plan.