Maybe the experts are wrong. Retirement planners say you will need at least 70% of pre-retirement income to enjoy your golden years. Some target as much as 80% or even 85%. Yet recent retirees with less say they are doing just fine, thank you. MoreAmericans Are Totally Unprepared for This ShockAmericans Still Aren’t Saving for a Rainy DayOur 'Do Nothing Congress' in One Infographic NBC NewsWorst Ever: California's Drought Crisis Hits Record Level NBC NewsIsrael Vows No Cease-Fire Until Tunnels Destroyed NBC NewsThree years into retirement, the average replacement income of people with an IRA or 401(k) plan is just 66% of final pay, mutual fund company T.