Average 401(k) balances hit record $155,800 in Q2 2026

Fidelity Investments' Q2 2026 Building Financial Futures report shows the average 401(k) balance climbing to a record $155,800, a 10.5% rise from the previous quarter and 13.1% above the same period last year. After a slight decline in Q1, balances rebounded, driven by sustained market gains and an influx of younger savers. Jade Warshaw, co-host of The Ramsey Show, attributed the growth to strong equity performance, increased participation from Gen Z, and a broader push for financial stability amid economic anxiety.

She emphasized that while retirement investing is rising, individuals should first establish an emergency fund and eliminate high-interest debt before allocating 15% of income to retirement accounts. Warshaw also advised a simple, automated investing approach—regular payroll deductions and dollar-cost averaging—to avoid trying to outguess market movements.