Big Changes Are Coming to Your Retirement Accounts in 2026

Roth IRA Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEegDrmYi306Fu2LcadJS3EOujAfsROhX Campaign for a better 401k here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/How_to_campaign_for_a_better_401(k)_plan 2026 Financial Numbers Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/4iMX0Ec Check out My Recommendations (Purchasing anything here funds the free content on this channel): 📊 Personal Finance Bundle Wait List: https://bit.ly/4bpyTHT Work with an hourly fee financial planner here: https://bit.ly/48mrWaF 📝 Boldin - The retirement planning tool I use to make sure I'm on track with saving for retirement. It's perfect for "Do it yourself" investors https://bit.ly/3EAAhrJ 💬 Sign up for 1 on 1 coaching with me: https://bit.ly/4bAUpYT 📖 Free copy of my Spending Review Spreadsheet: https://bit.ly/48lMVZ1 📧 Business Inquiries: https://bit.ly/44AgfLw The 2026 retirement landscape brings significant changes that impact nearly every major account 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, and even capital gains planning. Tax brackets and standard deductions have been adjusted for inflation, but most importantly, several contribution limits are increasing. Individuals can now contribute more to their 401k, with the limit rising to $24,500 and catch-up contributions increasing for those over age 50 ($8,000) and even more for those aged 60-63 ($11,250). But high earners (those with W-2 wages over $150,000) will be required to make those catch-up contributions to Roth accounts instead of traditional pre-tax ones, potentially altering tax-planning strategies. For IRAs, the contribution limit increases to $7,500, with a $1,100 catch-up for those 50 or older, marking the first increase to the catch-up amount in two decades. Roth IRA income limits have also shifted, with a spousal IRA rule reminder that allows a stay-at-home spouse to contribute based on household income. The Backdoor Roth remains a key tool for high earners. HSAs also see higher limits: $4,400 for individuals, $8,750 for families, with an additional $1,000 catch-up if you're 55 or older. If both spouses want to use the catch-up, they’ll need separate accounts. Another big area of focus is the 529-to-Roth IRA rollover rule, which is still flying under the radar. Parents can now shift unused 529 college savings into a Roth IRA for their child, as long as the account has been open for 15 years and they follow the contribution and timing rules, helping turn “college money” into long-term wealth. A key reminder in all of this is to not overlook the quiet threat of 401(k) fees. Many plans are loaded with expensive funds that can drag down returns, so reviewing plan offerings and advocating for lower-cost index fund options is essential. Even a small fee difference can compound into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars lost over a career. Lastly, rather than obsessing over forecasts or slight tax tweaks, the takeaway is to focus on controllables: contribution amounts, fees, consistency, and planning flexibility. A good-enough plan you can stick with often outperforms an “optimized” one you constantly second-guess. 00:00 The Retirement Changes Coming in 2026 00:21 How Your Taxes Will Really Work 03:10 The Workplace Retirement Overhaul 04:31 The Catch Up Rule Changes Most People Haven’t Heard About 06:39 A Roth Upgrade… If Your Employer Actually Allows It 07:46 The New Roth IRA Limits (And Rules People Always Miss) 10:28 Traditional IRA Rule Changes 11:21 The Retirement Account Most Workers Overlook 12:23 Why HSAs Get Even Better in 2026 13:00 Why the HSA Is Still the Most Overpowered Account You Have 13:55 The Hidden IRS Rule To Fund a Roth IRA 16:47 The Hidden Drag Slowing Down Your Retirement 17:40 My 401k Rules 19:48 Your Free 2026 Retirement & Tax Cheat Sheet Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you sign up or make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This creates a conflict of interest that you need to be aware of. I am not a client or current employee of any of the companies for which I have affiliate links. Your support means a lot and helps keep the channel going. Thank you! General Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Everyone’s financial situation is different, so be sure to do your own research and consider speaking with a flat fee hourly professional before making any financial decisions. 292