I believe that qualified and non-qualified retirement programs, like 401Ks and pensions, are not factored into most of the "savings" surveys. As well, they generally do not also account for appreciation in home values or securities portfolios. That said, most people in this country do not max out their 401k contributions and spend well beyond their means on depreciating assets, e.g., cars, TVs, boats, etc. with various credit products.