Or using the calculators incorrectly. Maybe it's just the mental contrast of hearing how no one is saving enough and we will all be poor in retirement. I'm not totally new to the topic, but taking another look at it to make sure I'm setting myself up for success.
I'd say I'm frugal for my income bracket (130k). And not even that frugal. It seems reasonable to say 40k in yearly retirement spending, since I won't have kids or a mortgage.
I'm 38. Here is my "safe bet" situation:
I would want to retire in 20 years. Calculating for 30 years retirement.
I am currently maxing out my 401K and see no reason to not (or not be able to) keep doing the same.
If you look at Firecalc, not including company match, SSI, and any extra contribution, that still puts me at 77% success rate.
(In reality I'll be contributing more $ to have 100% success and hopefully for an even earlier retirement.)
So if I can start this "late in the game" and contribute a reasonable 401k amount... it seems to go against what the gen pop talks about retirement being unattainable.