As more older Americans near retirement, many are eager to boost 401(k) savings to combat the rising cost of health care and other day-to-day expenses. And for 2026, there are key 401(k) changes that investors need to know, financial experts say.
This year, “small 401(k) details matter more than ever,” said certified financial planner Joon Um with Secure Tax and Accounting in Hayward, California.
For 2026, you can defer up to $24,500 into your 401(k) plan, up from $23,500 in 2025. The full plan limit, which includes employer matches, profit sharing and other contributions, is $72,000.
There’s also a higher 401(k) catch-up contribution limit. In 2026, investors age 50 and older can save an additional $8,000 per year, up from $7,500 in 2025. The “super catch-up” limit for savers age 60 to 63 remains at $11,250 for 2026.
Individual retirement account contribution limits also rose for 2026. The new cap is $7,500, up from $7,000 in 2025. Investors age 50 and older can make a $1,100 catch-up contribution, up from $1,000 the previous year.
