Should You Max Out Your 401(k)? What to Consider
Maxing out a 401(k) plan could help you reach your retirement goals, but here are four things to consider first.
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Updated · 3 min read
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Lead Writer If you have access to a 401(k) plan, you may have wondered if it's best to max out the contribution limit to make sure you have enough for retirement.
It also might seem enticing because the maximum 401(k) contribution is $23,500 in 2025. People aged 50 and older can contribute an extra $7,500 as a catch-up contribution. Due to the Secure 2.0 Act, those aged 60, 61, 62 and 63 get a higher catch-up contribution of $11,250. In 2026, the contribution limit is $24,500, with a catch-up contribution of $8,000. Those aged 60, 61, 62, and 63 will have the same higher catch-up contribution of $11,250 .
The maximum IRA contribution limit, in comparison, isn't even half that.
But depending on your financial situation, putting that much into an employer-sponsored retirement account each year may not make sense. Rather, you may want to fund other accounts first. Here are four things to consider before you max out your 401(k) contributions.
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1. What are your nonretirement goals?
While you’ll be grateful for what you've saved now once you're in retirement, it’s important to step back: What other goals do you have between now and then?
Clients regularly ask whether they should max out 401(k) contributions — and sometimes they’re surprised by the answer, says Jeff Weber, a certified financial planner at the Wealth Consulting Group. “Most people think that putting extra money aside for retirement is the best policy,” he says. “But we like to take a look at the big picture and make sure they’re covered in other areas, too.”
As part of the decision process, Weber goes through a checklist with clients:
- Do you have any high-interest credit card debt? If so, pay that off ASAP.
- Have you built up an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses?
- Do you have adequate health insurance?
- If you’re married or have children, do you have adequate life insurance?
- Do you have a basic will or trust established?
- Do you have adequate disability insurance in case you’re out of work for six months or more because of an injury or ailment?
- If you’re close to retirement age, do you have long-term care insurance?
Generally, Weber says he wants his clients to have these goals in place before maxing out a workplace retirement plan. But if they don't, he still urges clients to contribute the minimum to get their employer's match if it's offered. That's because that extra free money can go toward helping their account balance grow.
But it really comes down to a client's goals. Even after the checklist is completed, clients may want to save for a down payment on a house or fund an IRA account before deciding to max out 401(k) contributions, Weber says.
» See how your contributions add up with our 401(k) calculator
2. Think about today vs. tomorrow
Consider how much you can contribute to your 401(k) before it squeezes your budget in other areas. Retirement planning is a balancing act of putting money aside for later while keeping enough readily available to pay for things now or in the near future. Wait too long to start saving, and you'll have to play catch-up later. Save too much now, and you may need to tap into your account early, incurring taxes and early withdrawal penalties if you are under age 59 ½.
Contributing early and frequently, even if it's a small amount, means that money has more time to grow in your 401(k) plan, thanks to compound interest.
3. What are your other investment options?
Are there other — and better — options available to help your money grow?
Deciding where to invest money beyond the amount required to meet your company’s match primarily comes down to taxes and fees.
- If the fees in your employer-sponsored plan aren't high and the plan offers a variety of investment options, it may be worthwhile to max out your contribution.
- If the fees are high, consider directing money toward a traditional or Roth IRA first. Keep in mind that the contribution limit is much lower — $7,000 in 2025 ($8,000 if aged 50 and older). For 2026, the limit is $7,500 ($8,600 if aged 50 and older) — and Roth IRAs have income limits.
When choosing between the traditional and Roth varieties of an IRA or 401(k), the difference comes down to when you’ll be taxed.
- In traditional accounts, contributions are pretax, and distributions in retirement are taxed.
- With Roth accounts, contributions are made after taxes, but qualified retirement distributions are tax-free. (Learn more about traditional and Roth IRAs.)
Another perk of both types of IRAs? These accounts typically have a broader assortment of investments, such as exchange-traded funds.
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4. Is it time for a financial advisor?
If you still have questions or concerns about managing your investment portfolio or juggling a variety of financial goals, you may also want to consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Look for an advisor or planner who is a fiduciary, which means they are legally obligated to act in your financial best interest, not theirs. - A certified financial planner could help you build a comprehensive financial picture and plan for your goals.
- An investment advisor can offer you personalized investment advice and management for a fee.
- A wealth manager can provide an array of high-end services, including estate and tax planning.
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