It is also up 15% from last year, when respondents said they would need $1.27 million. Likewise, a recent CNBC survey showed that 53% of Americans feel like they are behind on their retirement savings. However, experts say having a "magic number" in mind should not be a priority when planning for your retirement. The number experts say to focus onFinancial advisors agree that having a high savings rate, along with appropriate asset allocations, is one of the most significant components of building wealth. "I would much rather have clients that save 15% of their income and get a 5% rate of return than save 1% of their income and get a 15% rate of return," Roland said.

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Persons: John Roland, Rita Assaf, Assaf, it's, Roland Organizations: Northwestern Mutual, CNBC, Northwestern, Financial Advisors, Fidelity Investments, Fidelity, Vanguard