Retirement Guides 2026
2026 retirement at a glance
Secure your future with updated limits, tax-smart withdrawals, and catch-up strategies. All figures reflect IRS 2026 projections (estimated).
2026 contribution limits (estimated)
| Account type | Under 50 | Age 50+ (catch‑up) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans | $23,500 | $31,000 | Catch‑up $7,500 |
| Traditional IRA & Roth IRA | $7,000 | $8,000 | Catch‑up $1,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA | $16,000 | $19,500 | Catch‑up $3,500 |
| Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible | $4,300 (self) / $8,600 (family) | +$1,000 | Often used as retirement vehicle |
Based on inflation adjustments; final IRS figures may vary slightly.
Traditional IRA / 401(k)
Pre‑tax dollars, grow tax‑deferred. Taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Required minimum distributions (RMDs) start at age 73.
best for high tax bracket nowRoth IRA / Roth 401(k)
After‑tax contributions, grow tax‑free. No RMDs for original owner. Ideal if you expect higher taxes later.
tax‑free qualified withdrawalsSmart withdrawal strategies (2026)
Withdraw 4% of portfolio first year, adjust for inflation. Provides ~30 years of income.
Cash bucket (1‑2 yrs), bond bucket (3‑10 yrs), equity bucket (10+ yrs).
Convert traditional to Roth in low‑income years, pay tax now, avoid RMDs later.
RMDs begin at 73 (75 if born 1960+). Use IRS uniform lifetime table.
Free retirement tools
401k growth
Estimate future value with match & inflation.
RMD calculator
Required minimum distribution by age.
Roth vs traditional
Compare after‑tax income in retirement.
Asset allocator
Risk‑based portfolio suggestions for 2026.
2026 catch‑up changes (Secure 2.0)
Starting 2026, higher catch‑up limits for ages 60‑63: up to $11,250 for 401(k) plans. Also Roth catch‑up required for high earners.
| Age group | 401(k) catch‑up |
|---|---|
| 50‑59 | $7,500 |
| 60‑63 | $11,250 |
| 64+ | $7,500 |
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