Celebrate National 401(k) Day with a 5-Minute Retirement Challenge 🎯
National 401(k) Day is September 11, 2026 — and it’s the perfect excuse to give your retirement savings a little attention.
Your 401(k) may be one of the most powerful tools you have for building your retirement savings. But when was the last time you actually checked in on it?
If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. That’s why this National 401(k) Day, we’re challenging you to spend just five minutes with your 401(k).
Before you take the challenge, here are a few important updates for 2026.
Your 401(k) Can Do More in 2026 💰
Good news for retirement savers: contribution limits increased again this year.
For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 to your 401(k) through regular employee contributions — up from $23,500 in 2025.
If you’re age 50 or older, you may also be eligible to make an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution, potentially bringing your employee contributions to $32,500 for the year.
And if you turn age 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026, an even higher catch-up limit may apply. Eligible participants in this age group may contribute an additional $11,250, potentially bringing employee contributions to $35,750 for 2026.
Of course, you don’t have to contribute the maximum to make progress. Even a small increase in your contribution rate can be a meaningful step toward your long-term goals.
Making Catch-Up Contributions? There’s a New Roth Rule to Know
There’s another important change taking effect in 2026.
If you’re eligible to make catch-up contributions and your 2025 FICA wages from the employer sponsoring your retirement plan exceeded $150,000, your catch-up contributions generally must be made as Roth contributions in 2026.
What does that mean?
Traditional pre-tax 401(k) contributions generally reduce your taxable income today, with taxes due when money is withdrawn. Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so there’s no current-year tax deduction. However, qualified Roth distributions in retirement can generally be received tax-free.
The new rule applies specifically to catch-up contributions for affected participants — not necessarily all of your 401(k) contributions.
If you’re unsure whether this change applies to you, this is a great question to bring to your plan provider or financial advisor.
Ready? Take the 5-Minute 401(k) Challenge 🎯
Give yourself one point for every statement you can confidently check off:
☐ I know how much I’m contributing.
Do you know your current contribution percentage or dollar amount?
☐ I know whether I’m getting the full employer match.
If your employer offers matching contributions, do you know how the formula works and whether you’re taking full advantage of it?
☐ I’ve reviewed my investments recently.
Do your current investment choices still make sense for your goals, time horizon and comfort with risk?
☐ My beneficiaries are up to date.
Marriage, divorce, births and other life changes can make this an important item to revisit.
☐ I have an idea of whether I’m saving enough.
Do you know whether your current savings strategy is putting you on track for the retirement you envision?
How Did You Score?
5/5 — 401(k) All-Star 🏆
Great job! You’re actively engaged with your retirement savings. Keep checking in periodically as your life and goals change.
3–4/5 — Building Momentum 🌱
You’ve got a solid start. Pick one unchecked item and make it your next retirement to-do.
0–2/5 — Challenge Accepted! 💡
National 401(k) Day is a great opportunity to get started. Choose one simple action and go from there.
The Bonus Challenge: Ask ONE Question ⭐
There’s one more part of our National 401(k) Day Challenge.
Think of one retirement question you’ve been meaning to ask — and ask it.
Maybe it’s:
- “Am I saving enough?”
- “How do I know if my investments are right for me?”
- “Should I increase my 401(k) contribution?”
- “What does the new Roth catch-up rule mean for me?”
- “How can I tell if I’m on track for retirement?”
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Our team of financial advisors is here to help you understand your options, talk through your questions and help you think about your retirement goals.
So, here’s your challenge:
Before National 401(k) Day is over, ask us ONE retirement question.
It could be the start of a valuable conversation about your financial future.
One Small Step Today 🌱
Retirement planning doesn’t have to mean making a huge change overnight.
Maybe today you increase your contribution by 1%. Maybe you finally update a beneficiary. Maybe you review your investments. Or maybe you simply ask a question you’ve been putting off.
Whatever you choose, use National 401(k) Day as your reminder to spend a few minutes thinking about your future.
Take the challenge. Ask a question. And give your future self a little attention today.
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not intended as individualized investment, tax, or legal advice. Retirement plan provisions may vary. Please review your plan documents and consult the appropriate financial, tax, or legal professional regarding your individual circumstances.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-24500-for-2026-ira-limit-increases-to-7500
