Most employees don’t fully understand how their 401(k) works. This guide answers the most common 401(k) questions for 2026 – from contribution limits and employer matching to fees, vesting, Roth options, and withdrawals – so you can avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions with your retirement savings. #1 How Much Can I Contribute… Continue reading 12 Most Common Employee 401(k) Questions
Summary Starting in 2026, higher earners age 50 and older must make 401(k) catch-up contributions as Roth contributions if prior-year FICA wages exceed $150,000. This rule impacts take-home pay, tax planning, and retirement strategy – making it critical to plan ahead. What Changed in 2026 with 401(k) Catch-up Contributions? Starting in 2026, the rules… Continue reading 401(k) Catch-Up Contribution Rule Changes for 2026
A 2024 Fidelity 401(k) data breach highlighted a growing risk facing retirement savers: Cybercriminals targeting retirement accounts. As hackers exploit phishing, social engineering, and call center weaknesses, we recommend investors actively monitor and protect their retirement accounts to avoid devastating financial losses. Why Retirement Accounts Have Become a Prime Cyber Target In August 2024, Fidelity… Continue reading How to Protect Your Retirement Savings from Cyber Fraud
If you’ve been wondering what it takes to become a 401(k) millionaire, you’re not alone. With retirement account balances hitting record highs in 2025, more Americans are proving that building a 7-figure nest egg is possible. According to Fidelity, “the number of 401(k) accounts with a balance of $1 million or more jumped to 654,000… Continue reading How to Build a Million-Dollar 401(k) in 2026
Recent data from Vanguard and Fidelity shows 401(k) hardship withdrawals at record highs as everyday costs rise and savings run thin. Understanding the long-term impact of pulling from your retirement and taking steps to build an emergency fund, can help you avoid setbacks and stay on track. 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals Are Rising Fast Data… Continue reading 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals Hit Record Highs
One of the fastest ways to pay off holiday debt is to lower your interest rates, use a proven payoff method like the Avalanche or Snowball, and make extra payments whenever possible. These steps help reduce interest, speed up your payoff timeline, and eliminate holiday debt faster. How Many Americans Went into Holiday Debt… Continue reading Holiday Debt Payoff Strategies That Work Fast
To improve your finances in 2026, assess your full financial picture, set achievable goals, automate savings, rebuild your emergency fund, increase your 401(k) contributions, and rebalance your 401(k). These 12 steps create a clear roadmap for stronger financial stability in 2026 and beyond. #1 Get a Clear Picture of Your Finances Before you can… Continue reading How to Improve Your Finances in 2026 [12-Step Financial Checklist]
The best gift you can give your family this holiday is unplugging. Turn off the devices. Connect with each other. The holidays are stressful. Now, add in being constantly plugged in via electronic devices (or smartphones). It can be too much. According to the American Psychological Association, “U.S. adults are feeling joyous but overwhelmed this… Continue reading One of the Best Gifts You Can Give Your Family This Holiday
According to the Goldman Sachs Retirement Survey & Insights Report 2025, many Americans are struggling to save as basic expenses rise faster than wages. Here’s what the data means for your 401(k) and what you can do right now to improve your retirement outlook. Why Is Saving for Retirement Getting Harder? If saving for… Continue reading What’s Hurting Your 401(k) and How to Fix It
Understanding the average and median 401(k) balance by age helps you see where you really stand. Vanguard’s data shows a wide gap between the average balance of $148,153 and the median of $38,176, revealing how uneven retirement readiness is. Use these benchmarks to evaluate your savings progress. 401(k) Benchmarks by Age When it comes… Continue reading 401(k) Balances by Age: Where Do You Stand?
