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Saving for retirement in plain English: the 2026 limits, how 401(k)s and IRAs work, Social Security and Medicare facts. Education only: we do not tell you what to buy or how to invest.

Free tools need no account, SSN, or address. Most calculators run in your browser; a few send the numbers you enter to our server to do the math.

Key facts for 2026: you can put up to $24,500 in a 401(k) and $7,500 in an IRA. People 50 and older can add catch-up money. Any employer match comes on top.

2026 limits at a glance

2026 rule	Amount	Source
401(k), 403(b), 457, TSP: you put in	$24,500	IRS
Extra catch-up at age 50+	$8,000	IRS
Higher catch-up at ages 60 to 63 (instead of the 50+ amount)	$11,250	IRS
You + employer together, total cap	$72,000	IRS
IRA (Traditional + Roth combined)	$7,500	IRS
Extra IRA catch-up at age 50+	$1,100	IRS
Roth IRA income phase-out, single	$153,000 to $168,000	IRS
Roth IRA income phase-out, married filing jointly	$242,000 to $252,000	IRS

The math: how much can I put in for 2026?

Enter your age. This only adds up the IRS limits above. It does not say what you should do.

Start with the limits

401(k) and workplace plans

IRAs

Income in retirement

Leaving money to family

Wills, estate and inheritance tax facts

Sources

Limits checked 2026-10-13.

Next step: find your plan's match rules in your benefits papers, then read the full 2026 limits. Self-employed? See the SEP and Solo 401(k) rows there.

FAQ

Is this investment advice?

No. We show IRS rules and do math on numbers you enter. For advice about your situation, talk with a fee-only fiduciary adviser.

Does my employer match count toward the 401(k) limit?

No. The 2026 employee limit covers your own contributions. Employer money counts toward the separate total cap for you and your employer together.

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.