Americans' 401(k) Balances Hit Record $155,800 in Q2, Up 10.5% From Q1

2 articles · Updated · Fox Business · Sep 13

$155,800 was the average 401(k) balance in Q2 2026, a record that marked a rebound after a slight first-quarter drop, Fidelity said.
The average balance rose 10.5% from the prior quarter and 13.1% from a year earlier, alongside gains in 403(b) accounts.
Years of strong market returns, heavier participation from younger workers including Gen Z, and a broader push for financial security helped drive the increase.
Jade Warshaw said savers should avoid trying to outsmart the market and instead use steady payroll deductions and dollar-cost averaging to build long-term wealth.
She also urged workers to build a financial base first — a $1,000 emergency fund, debt payoff and 3 to 6 months of expenses — before investing 15% of gross income for retirement.