Retirement account balances, which sank at the start of 2025 amid wild market swings, hit record highs in the third quarter, according to the latest data from Fidelity Investments, the nation’s largest provider of 401(k) savings plans.
The average 401(k) balance jumped 9% from a year ago to $144,400, an all-time high, Fidelity found.
The average individual retirement account balance also rose 7% year over year to $137,902.
Fidelity’s report showed increased interest in Roth 401(k)s and IRAs, particularly among younger savers.
Like a traditional 401(k), Roth 401(k)s let you contribute up to $24,500, which is the new, higher limit for 2026. But a key difference is that contributions to a Roth 401(k) are taxed upfront so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
