Kiplinger.com- June 8, 2026 Kiplinger recently featured David A. Schneider, CFP® of Schneider Wealth Strategies, in its article “The Average 401(k) Balance by Age in 2026: Savings Rates Hit a Record, Are You Keeping Up?”

The article examines the latest data on retirement savings across different generations. Fidelity reported that the average 401(k) balance declined to $141,000 in the first quarter of 2026 amid market volatility. At the same time, workers continued to save at record levels, with the combined employee and employer contribution rate reaching 14.4%.

Mr. Schneider emphasized that while investors cannot control financial markets, they do have significant control over their savings behavior:

“You can't control or predict market behavior, but you can decide how much you save. Your savings rate is probably the single-most important determinant (in building) long-term wealth.”

The article also examines the use of 401(k) loans. Fidelity's data showed that Gen X had the highest percentage of participants with outstanding 401(k) loans, at 25.5%.

While borrowing from a workplace retirement account should generally be considered a last resort, Mr. Schneider explained why it can sometimes be a practical source of liquidity:

“If your credit is maxed out, your credit score is low, and there is no emergency fund, a 401(k) loan, while not ideal, is often the only accessible source of cash. And it requires no underwriting, credit checks or income verification.”

The article highlights the role that consistent saving, employer contributions, diversification and staying invested can play in building retirement wealth over time. It also provides benchmarks by age and generation to help put individual 401(k) balances into perspective.

Read the full Kiplinger article: The Average 401(k) Balance by Age in 2026