This is how much money you need to retire by 40 in Texas, report finds

by the numbers

Here's how big your nest egg needs to be in Texas if you want an early retirement. Photo via Pexels

Many working adults have asked themselves whether or not they'll be able to achieve an early retirement, but the reality is: It's not attainable anywhere in the U.S. without a substantial nest egg (and the income to go with it).

In Texas, that nest egg would have to be at least $1 million in the bank, according to a new annual report by personal finance website GoBankingRates.

The report, "Early Retirement: Here’s How Much Savings Is Needed To Retire by 40 in Every State," examined each state's cost of living and Social Security benefits to determine exactly how much money you'd need to have stocked away to achieve an early retirement.

According to the study's findings, the total cost of living expenses for the average Texan adds up to $3,362.63 per month, or $40,351.50 a year.

Based on those numbers, GoBakingRates calculated that a Texas resident retiring by age 40 would need a jaw-dropping $1,278,894.70 saved up if they were to live until they were 80 years old.

If a 40-year-old Texan lived to be 90, that nest egg would have to be $1,458,966.13, and if they lived to be 100, they'd need $1,639,037.55 in their savings for those remaining 60 years.

Texas came in at No. 20 on the list. Texans can breathe a (small) sigh of relief they aren't retiring in Hawaii, which came in at No. 1 on the list, with the highest amount of savings needed to retire early. The annual cost of living in Hawaii is nearly $107,000, which means a 40-year-old Hawaiian would need more than $3.94 million to retire early and enjoy 40 years of retirement.

California came in second, followed by Washington DC, Massachusetts, and Washington state.

The states with the least amount of savings required to retire by 40 are:

  • No. 1 – West Virginia
  • No. 2 – Mississippi
  • No. 3 – Oklahoma
  • No. 4 – Arkansas
  • No. 5 – Kentucky
  • No. 6 – Louisiana
  • No. 7 – Alabama
  • No. 8 – Kansas
  • No. 9 – Iowa
  • No. 10 – Michigan

GOBankingRates sourced cost of living data and national average expenditure data for retired residents from the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure for Retired Residents, and Zillow’s Home Value Index. These three data points were combined to determine the average annual cost of living for retired residents, and used the typical retirement age of 65 to factor in the full Social Security benefits, thus calculating the average income to be expected in retirement.

The report echoes national ongoing financial strife in regards to inflation and cost of living increases, where not even Houston is immune.

The full report can be found on gobankingrates.com.

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This article originally ran on CultureMap.

Monthly bills, subscriptions, and taxes, oh my. Photo by rc.xyz NFT gallery on Unsplash

Houstonians hit with among the highest inflation rate in the U.S., study says

budgeting woes

Inflation has certainly rattled the national economy, but some cities are feeling that sting harder than others — especially Houston.

According to new study by personal finance experts WalletHub, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land has been saddled with the No. 7 highest inflation rate in the U.S.

The report compared 23 of America’s largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with Consumer Price Index data to measure inflation trends in two timetables:

  • the most previous month (November)
  • the most recent year

In the most previous month, Houston saw a very slight improvement in inflation when compared to the two prior months, with the city's inflation rate falling by .10 percent. To put that in context, Dallas-Fort Worth experienced the biggest climb in the U.S. with an increase of .90 percent when compared to the two prior months.

In the most recent year, inflation in Houston increased by 4.5 percent year-over-year from November 2022. On that list, Houston tied with Detroit-Warren-Dearborn (No. 5 overall), Michigan and Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado (No. 9 overall).

Houston's inflation woes are still an improvement when compared to an April 2023 WalletHub report, which maintained Houston was still experiencing the 7th highest inflation rate in the U.S., but at 5.2 percent year over-year.

Daniel C. O'Neill, a professor of political science and chair of the School of International Studies at University of the Pacific, cited previous government policies, post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery, and employee demands for higher pay as the major factors behind rising inflation.

As consumer demand rose with the introduction of stimulus checks and unemployment benefits during the pandemic, O'Neill explained, businesses post-pandemic had to raise their pay to attract workers.

"In addition, anecdotally it seems that many businesses hit especially hard by the pandemic, such as movie theaters and restaurants, raised prices when people returned to make up for some of those losses during the pandemic," he said. "While rising wages are a good thing, if they do not keep up with increases in the price of rent, food, gas, and other necessities, they are not real increases and wages."

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land wasn’t the only Texas metro area to make WalletHub’s top 10. Dallas-Fort-Worth-Arlington ranked No. 1, with inflation rising 5.2 percent year-over-year from November 2022.

The top 10 metro areas where inflation is rising the most are:

  • No. 1 – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
  • No. 2 – Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida
  • No. 3 – Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
  • No. 4 – San Diego-Carlsbad, California
  • No. 5 – Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, Michigan
  • No. 6 – Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
  • No. 7 – Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas
  • No. 8 – Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
  • No. 9 – Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado
  • No. 10 – Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware-Maryland

The full report can be found on wallethub.com.

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This article originally ran on CultureMap.

When employers recognize the interconnectedness of employee wellbeing and business success, they lay the foundation for a sustainable future for their organization. Photo via Getty Images

Inflation: Why Houston employers should prioritize employee financial well-being

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Inflation impacts everyone, including individuals, the workforce and business leaders. As the cost of living continues to rise, employees face diminishing purchasing power, shrinking retirement savings and higher stress levels.

In PwC’s 2023 Employee Financial Wellness Survey, 57 percent of respondents named finances as the top cause of stress in their lives. With these factors in play, employers should consider the support they provide for employees’ financial health, which directly impacts them emotionally and physically. When any one of these elements are out of alignment, employee productivity and engagement suffer, in turn impacting business success.

The Inflation Conundrum

Inflation is the silent financial predator that affects every aspect of life. Coupled with the financial responsibilities of the workforce, like child or elder care and college tuition, inflation erodes the value of money over time. As prices surge and the purchasing power of the dollar declines, the effects can ripple through a person’s life, including the workplace. Here are several ways inflation can impact employees:

  • Diminished Salary Satisfaction: Inflation does not discriminate. When prices rise, compensation does not follow suit at a one-to-one ratio. This can lead employees to feel their salaries are no longer sufficient to maintain their desired standard of living. Employees who do not have enough for their daily needs are not saving for their future goals, which exacerbates salary dissatisfaction.
  • Eroding Retirement Savings: A 401(k) is a critical component for many employees’ long-term financial strategy. However, inflation can interfere as the cost of living finds employees allocating less to their retirement accounts. Fewer contributions can have a significant long-term impact on the workforce’s financial goals.
  • Increased Stress and Anxiety: Financial insecurity and the higher cost of living can impact mental health. The stress and anxiety common with financial challenges often makes its way into the workplace, resulting in decreased productivity and engagement, interpersonal tension and employees seeking additional or alternative employment opportunities.

The PwC survey underlines how financial stress impacts employees beyond their pocketbooks with 50% or more reporting a negative impact on sleep, mental health and self-esteem. While physical health and relationships at home are not far behind at 44 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

The Holistic Approach to Employee Well-being

In times of economic uncertainty, it becomes vital for employers to prioritize their employees' well-being. A holistic approach, proactively addressing emotional, physical and financial health, can mitigate the negative impacts of inflation and foster a more engaged workforce. A few strategies to consider include:

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Employee Assistance Programs are a valuable resource for employees facing personal or financial challenges. These programs provide access to counseling services, financial advice and other forms of support. Offering EAPs demonstrates an employer’s commitment to the overall well-being of their workforce.
  • Greater 401(k) Contributions: Employers can consider increasing the company’s 401(k) contributions in recognition of the strain inflation places on employees' retirement savings. A higher match encourages employees to save more and helps offset the erosion of their retirement savings due to inflation. It is important to note, this is not a short-term solution. Once implemented, it is difficult to walk back these changes without negatively impacting employee morale.
  • Open Communication: Open and transparent communication with employees is always key but is especially paramount to understanding their concerns and needs during periods of inflation. Regular surveys or meetings to gauge employees' financial stress levels and field suggestions for improvement can provide valuable insights.
  • Financial Incentives: Though it is not an immediate fix to immediate financial needs, incentivizing employees to save and invest can be a win-win strategy. Employers can offer financial literacy programs, workshops, or provide bonuses or incentives tied to employees' financial goals. These resources, trainings and initiatives can empower employees to make better informed financial decisions.

The Consequences

Business leaders should realize inflation impacts more than balance sheets, sending shockwaves deep into the health, morale and productivity of their workforce. And when employees are suffering with their mental, physical or financial health, they are more prone to look for employment where these needs are met.

Employers are at a crossroads where they can create a workplace culture that not only supports employees during times of inflation but also fosters resilience and loyalty. EAPs, increased 401(k) contributions, open communication, and financial incentives are just a few of the strategies that employers can implement to ease the burden of inflation on their workforce.

When employers recognize the interconnectedness of employee wellbeing and business success, they lay the foundation for a sustainable future for their organization. Employees can weather the storm and eventually thrive when armed with the proper support and tools.


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Kelly Yeates is vice president of service operations with Insperity, a leading provider of human resources and business performance solutions.

Looking at bills can be stressful these days. Photo via Getty Images

Houston area hit with 7th highest inflation rate in U.S., new report says

wealth woes

As if living comfortably in Houston wasn’t already hard enough to afford in 2023, now a new report says inflation is rising more quickly in the city than in other parts of the United States. Unfortunately for Houston, the news seems to be a little worse than it was last year.

Financial experts at WalletHub compared 22 of America’s largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with Consumer Price Index data to measure inflation trends in two categories: last March and year-over-year changes.

"Though inflation has started to slow slightly due to factors like the Federal Reserve rate hikes, the year-over-year inflation rate was still a whopping 5 percent (nationally) in March," WalletHub says. "This high inflation is driven by a variety of factors, including the continued presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and labor shortages."

Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land ranked No. 7 in WalletHub's new list of cities where inflation is rising the most. The Consumer Price Index change in March when compared to two months prior showed a 1.9 percent increase, while inflation increased 5.2 percent last month, since March 2022.

The current inflation woes continue with the knowledge that the region seems to be faring slightly worse than it was last year. The latest ranking is a three-place jump from WalletHub’s last report, when Houston was saddled with the 10th highest inflation rate in the U.S., at 9.5 percent, year-over-year.

Roosevelt University Associate Professor of Finance and Real Estate Dr. Henry I. Silverman says in the report that rising interest rates are the traditional tool that banks use to fight inflation, but aren’t necessarily cost effective for consumers.

“Unfortunately, not only do higher rates make it more expensive for consumers to borrow money and thus afford many of the things we would otherwise purchase, but they also make it more costly for firms to expand and produce more goods and services which might otherwise help lower inflation,” he says.

Houston wasn’t the only Texas metro area to make WalletHub’s top 10. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington ranked three places lower at No. 10, with inflation rising 1.3 percent in March from January, but nearly six percent greater year-over-year. Last year’s report put Dallas-Fort Worth at No. 5, with year-over-year inflation for August 2022 at 9.4 percent.

Silverman warns that inflation and true economic growth are “not negatively correlated,” but many economists are predicting a recession this year.

“[H]igher inflation tends to be associated with lower real economic growth in the future,” Silverman says. “Undoubtedly, this is in part due to the higher interest rates that often follow higher inflation rates which inevitably slow economic activity, consumption, investment, etc[etera].”

The top 10 metro areas where inflation is rising the most are:

  • No. 1 – Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington
  • No. 2 – Detroit-Warren-Dearborn
  • No. 3 – Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale
  • No. 4 – Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
  • No. 5 – Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell
  • No. 6 – Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
  • No. 7 – Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land
  • No. 8 – San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward
  • No. 9 – Baltimore-Columbia-Towson
  • No. 10 – Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington

The full report can be found on wallethub.com.

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This article originally ran on CultureMap.

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Intuitive Machines to acquire NASA-certified deep space navigation company

space deal

Houston-based space technology, infrastructure and services company Intuitive Machines has agreed to buy Tempe, Arizona-based aerospace company KinetX for an undisclosed amount.

The deal is expected to close by the end of this year, according to a release from the company.

KinetX specializes in deep space navigation, systems engineering, ground software and constellation mission design. It’s the only company certified by NASA for deep space navigation. KinetX’s navigation software has supported both of Intuitive Machines’ lunar missions.

Intuitive Machines says the acquisition marks its entry into the precision navigation and flight dynamics segment of deep space operations.

“We know our objective, becoming an indispensable infrastructure services layer for space exploration, and achieving it requires intelligent systems and exceptional talent,” Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus said in the release. “Bringing KinetX in-house gives us both: flight-proven deep space navigation expertise and the proprietary software behind some of the most ambitious missions in the solar system.”

KinetX has supported deep space missions for more than 30 years, CEO Christopher Bryan said.

“Joining Intuitive Machines gives our team a broader operational canvas and shared commitment to precision, autonomy, and engineering excellence,” Bryan said in the release. “We’re excited to help shape the next generation of space infrastructure with a partner that understands the demands of real flight, and values the people and tools required to meet them.”

Intuitive Machines has been making headlines in recent weeks. The company announced July 30 that it had secured a $9.8 million Phase Two government contract for its orbital transfer vehicle. Also last month, the City of Houston agreed to add three acres of commercial space for Intuitive Machines at the Houston Spaceport at Ellington Airport. Read more here.

Japanese energy tech manufacturer moves U.S. headquarters to Houston

HQ HOU

TMEIC Corporation Americas has officially relocated its headquarters from Roanoke, Virginia, to Houston.

TMEIC Corporation Americas, a group company of Japan-based TMEIC Corporation Japan, recently inaugurated its new space in the Energy Corridor, according to a news release. The new HQ occupies the 10th floor at 1080 Eldridge Parkway, according to ConnectCRE. The company first announced the move last summer.

TMEIC Corporation Americas specializes in photovoltaic inverters and energy storage systems. It employs approximately 500 people in the Houston area, and has plans to grow its workforce in the city in the coming year as part of its overall U.S. expansion.

"We are thrilled to be part of the vibrant Greater Houston community and look forward to expanding our business in North America's energy hub," Manmeet S. Bhatia, president and CEO of TMEIC Corporation Americas, said in the release.

The TMEIC group will maintain its office in Roanoke, which will focus on advanced automation systems, large AC motors and variable frequency drive systems for the industrial sector, according to the release.

TMEIC Corporation Americas also began operations at its new 144,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Brookshire, which is dedicated to manufacturing utility-scale PV inverters, earlier this year. The company also broke ground on its 267,000-square-foot manufacturing facility—its third in the U.S. and 13th globally—this spring, also in Waller County. It's scheduled for completion in May 2026.

"With the global momentum toward decarbonization, electrification, and domestic manufacturing resurgence, we are well-positioned for continued growth," Bhatia added in the release. "Together, we will continue to drive industry and uphold our legacy as a global leader in energy and industrial solutions."

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This article originally appeared on EnergyCapitalHTX.com.

2 Texas cities named on LinkedIn's inaugural 'Cities on the Rise'

jobs data

LinkedIn’s 2025 Cities on the Rise list includes two Texas cities in the top 25—and they aren’t Houston or Dallas.

The Austin metro area came in at No. 18 and the San Antonio metro at No. 23 on the inaugural list that measures U.S. metros where hiring is accelerating, job postings are increasing and talent migration is “reshaping local economies,” according to the company. The report was based on LinkedIn’s exclusive labor market data.

According to the report, Austin, at No. 18, is on the rise due to major corporations relocating to the area. The datacenter boom and investments from tech giants are also major draws to the city, according to LinkedIn. Technology, professional services and manufacturing were listed as the city’s top industries with Apple, Dell and the University of Texas as the top employers.

The average Austin metro income is $80,470, according to the report, with the average home listing at about $806,000.

While many write San Antonio off as a tourist attraction, LinkedIn believes the city is becoming a rising tech and manufacturing hub by drawing “Gen Z job seekers and out-of-state talent.”

USAA, U.S. Air Force and H-E-B are the area’s biggest employers with professional services, health care and government being the top hiring industries. With an average income of $59,480 and an average housing cost of $470,160, San Antonio is a more affordable option than the capital city.

The No. 1 spot went to Grand Rapids due to its growing technology scene. The top 10 metros on the list include:

  • No. 1 Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • No. 2 Boise, Idaho
  • No. 3 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
  • No. 4 Albany, New York
  • No. 5 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • No. 6 Portland, Maine
  • No. 7 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  • No. 8 Hartford, Connecticut
  • No. 9 Nashville, Tennessee
  • No. 10 Omaha, Nebraska

See the full report here.

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