To feel financially secure or comfortable, Americans say, they would need to earn $233,000 on average, a recent Bankrate survey found. "Inflation is the main reason why Americans feel like they need to earn so much more than they already are just to feel comfortable," said Sarah Foster, analyst at Bankrate. Meanwhile, to retire comfortably, Americans have another big number in mind — $1.27 million — according to recent research from Northwestern Mutual. Sarah Foster analyst at BankrateWhile inflation may make saving for retirement feel more strenuous, it's important not to give up altogether, she said. Live within your meansBudgeting always requires a trade-off, according to Patel — how much you're spending versus how much you're saving.

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Persons: Sarah Foster, Alap Patel, they're, it's, Foster, Patel Organizations: Eyecrave, CPI, Bankrate, Northwestern Mutual Locations: Chicago