Vanguard Report Reveals Women Save More Than Men at Every Income Level, Yet End with Lower Balances
According to Vanguard's How America Saves 2026 report based on data from the 2025 plan year, women save a higher percentage of their income than men across all income levels. Despite this, male participants ended the year with retirement account balances that were approximately 30% higher in both average and median terms compared to female counterparts. The disparity is attributed primarily to differences in earnings rather than savings behavior. The report shows women consistently out-saving men at every income band from under $15,000 up through those earning over $150,000 annually. However, because men tend to earn more on average, they contribute larger dollar amounts into their retirement accounts. For example, a woman earning $90,000 who saves 8.1% contributes about $7,290 per year compared to a man earning $130,000 saving at 7.8%, contributing around $10,140 annually. The report also highlights that only 14% of participants reached the catch-up contribution limit for those over age 50 in 2025 and even among high earners above $150,000, half left unused contribution room. These findings underscore how income differences significantly impact retirement savings outcomes.