What Retirement Might Look Like for the Characters of ‘Friends’
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
The gang from Central Perk is now in their 50s, which means retirement planning should be on their minds. Based on what we knew about their careers, spending habits and personalities during the show’s run, here’s how each character might approach their later years.
Monica Geller-Bing
Monica’s chef salary likely started around $35,000 annually but grew to $60,000-$80,000 as head chef at Javu’s. Combined with Chandler’s corporate income, they’d have a solid middle-class foundation for retirement savings.
If she had the option, Monica would have maxed out her 401(k) contributions from day one, contributing $22,500 annually (2023 limits) plus catch-up contributions after age 50. Her obsessive nature would drive her to research low-cost index funds and rebalance their portfolio quarterly.
With 25-30 years of consistent saving and market returns, Monica and Chandler could easily have $1.2-$1.5 million by retirement. Monica would have detailed spreadsheets showing exactly how their 4% withdrawal rate covers projected expenses, with backup plans for market downturns.
Chandler Bing
Chandler left his mysterious corporate job in “statistical analysis and data reconfiguration” for the more lucrative (and real) world of advertising. He probably made $80,000-$120,000 annually in the 1990s, equivalent to $140,000-$200,000 today — plus, he most likely rose up the ranks to creative director, and beyond. His steady income and employer benefits would make a comfortable retirement a definite possibility.
He’d have access to a solid 401(k) with company matching, plus the discipline to contribute consistently even if he joked about not understanding the investment options. Chandler’s risk-averse ways would lead him toward conservative, balanced funds rather than aggressive growth investments.
Combined with Monica’s savings obsession, their household could easily save 25%-30% of their income. With two decades of compound growth, they’d likely accumulate $1.5-$2 million by their early 60s, enough to maintain their middle-class lifestyle indefinitely.
Ross Geller
Ross’s paleontology professor salary likely peaked around $80,000-$90,000 annually, typical for tenured professors at mid-tier universities. While not wealthy, his steady income and excellent benefits would provide a foundation for retirement security.
His biggest win would be the university pension system, most likely providing 60%-70% of his final salary after 30 years of service. Combined with Social Security and modest 403(b) contributions, Ross could maintain his lifestyle in retirement without any big changes. He would probably work until age 67 to maximize his pension benefits, then supplement with part-time teaching at $3,000-$5,000 per course.
One thing to note: Ross’s three divorces would impact his retirement savings. Alimony payments and dividing assets in divorce settlements likely cost him hundreds of thousands in potential retirement savings. His child support obligations for Ben and Emma would also affect his retirement.
Rachel Green
Rachel’s fashion industry career likely started around $25,000 as an assistant but grew to $60,000-$80,000 in management roles at Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton. That’s a good living but let’s be real, her income never matched her expensive tastes.
Her biggest financial obstacle would absolutely be lifestyle inflation. Rachel consistently spent at the top of her income range, buying designer clothes and luxury goods that prevented serious saving. Credit card debt from her shopping habits would most likely take priority over retirement accounts.
Even with 25 years of working, Rachel might have only $200,000-$300,000 saved for retirement; far short of the $1 million-plus needed to maintain her preferred lifestyle. She’d face a harsh reality check about scaling back from designer everything to more modest brands. She’d probably need to work past traditional retirement age, and we could see her thriving as a freelance fashion consultant or personal shopper.
Joey Tribbiani
Joey’s a tough one because he might’ve hit it very big — like the actor who played him! — but he also might’ve remained where he was. In general, his acting career provided extremely inconsistent income, ranging from $0 during dry spells to potentially $50,000-$100,000 during his brief soap opera success.
His biggest financial problem would be the feast-or-famine nature of acting work. During good periods, Joey would spend freely rather than save for lean times. And he’d likely have minimal 401(k) contributions and little understanding of retirement planning concepts.
By retirement age, Joey would probably depend quite a bit on Social Security, providing roughly $1,500-$2,000 monthly based on his earnings history. Joey’s survival strategy would involve continuing to take small acting roles, background work and commercials well into his 70s. Which, to be honest, he’d probably love.
Phoebe Buffay-Hannigan
Phoebe’s massage therapy business probably bought in $40,000-$60,000 annually in steady income, while Mike’s law career means he’d make around $100,000-$150,000 as a public interest attorney.
Her unconventional investment approach might actually work in her favor. While others panicked during market downturns, we think Phoebe’s intuitive investment choices and long-term perspective could generate solid returns. Her natural frugality and contentment with simple pleasures would keep retirement expenses low.
Mike’s legal background would ensure they properly structured their retirement accounts and understood tax implications. Together, they could accumulate $800,000-$1.2 million by traditional retirement age through consistent saving and Phoebe’s surprisingly good investment instincts.
More From GOBankingRates
