401k
News, insights and expert analysis on 401k from the team at Kiplinger.
401(k)s are tax-advantaged plans that allow you to put money aside through your employer's payroll deductions. Since their inception 40 years ago, 401(k) plans have become the retirement plan of choice for most employers, largely replacing traditional pension plans. If you'd like to know more about whether a 401(k) is right for you, the different rules and how to set one up, start with our beginner's guide: 10 things you should know about 401(k)s then work your way through our other features and guides on 401(k)s to get all the information you need.
Latest
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The Average Gen X 401(k) Balance Kind of BitesGen X, the first generation to rely on 401(k)s to build and grow a nest egg, is nearing retirement. 2026 data shows a hefty shortfall between the "magic number" for retirement and Gen X savings.
By Adam Shell
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The Average 401(k) Balance by Age and Generation in 2026A market rally drove 401(k) balances to new heights in the second quarter of 2026. How does your account balance stack up?
By Adam Shell
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Ask the Editor: Changes to 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions and MoreAsk the Editor Our Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor answers readers' questions about retirement plans and IRAs, including a big change to 401(k) catch-up contributions.
By Joy Taylor
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How to Manage 401(k) Rollovers to Protect Your WealthIn addition to saving and investing, financial literacy should teach us how to manage 401(k) cash-outs and rollovers so we can protect our wealth.
By Spencer Williams
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Delaying Retirement Just 6 Months Can Yield an Extra $50,000. Here’s How.Working just six extra months can boost your retirement savings by tens of thousands of dollars. Here is the math behind delaying retirement.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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401(k) Rich and Cash Poor: The Hidden Retirement RiskMaxing out a traditional 401(k) without cash reserves triggers tax spikes and market losses. Here's where and how to save cash for easy retirement withdrawals.
By Adam Shell
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Thinking About Cutting Your 401(k) Contributions? 6 Reasons to ReconsiderLowering your 401(k) contributions might solve a short-term cash squeeze, but it carries long-term costs, including these six.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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Sitting on a 401(k) Fortune? Why You Should Stop Fearing and Start SpendingMany 401(k) millionaires fear running out of money in retirement. But they don't have to if they follow these six strategies.
By Donna Fuscaldo
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3 Estate Planning Strategies That Thrive in Volatile MarketsDiscover how GRATs, Roth conversions, and gifting enable you to capitalize on market volatility and transfer wealth to heirs tax-free.
By Donna Fuscaldo
