To save more for retirement in 2025, start with your workplace plan and any available employer match, then raise contributions at a pace your budget can sustain. The 2025 limits were $23,500 for 401(k) elective deferrals and $7,000 for IRA contributions—or $8,000 if you were 50 or older—subject to plan, compensation, and eligibility rules. This U.S.-focused guide covers tax year 2025; a separate 2026 update appears below.
How can I save more for retirement?
Use these steps in the order that fits your circumstances. A workplace plan, match, IRA, tax credit, and investment menu each have their own eligibility and plan rules; not every option will apply to every saver.
1. Enroll in an available workplace plan
If you are eligible for a 401(k) or another workplace retirement plan but have not joined, check the plan materials and enrollment process. The IRS encourages workers to consider joining an available plan. Eligibility, enrollment deadlines, and the plan’s rules are set by the plan. IRS guidance on retirement plan contributions
2. Contribute enough to receive the available employer match
Some plans provide employer matching contributions, but only if the plan document provides for them. Check your plan’s matching formula and vesting terms; there is no universal match rate. If your budget permits, contribute enough to receive the match available under your plan.
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3. Direct part of a raise toward retirement
When your pay increases, consider raising your contribution rather than letting all of the increase become new spending. Choose an amount that still leaves room for current bills and other priorities. This is a budgeting approach, not a guaranteed savings outcome.
4. Schedule an annual contribution increase
Ask your plan administrator whether the plan offers automatic contribution escalation and how to set or change it. The Department of Labor describes automatic enrollment and plans that increase employee contributions over time, but availability and settings vary by plan. Department of Labor information on retirement plan investing
How much can I contribute to my 401(k) or IRA in 2025?
The figures below are federal limits for tax year 2025, not recommended savings targets. Your compensation, plan terms, eligibility, and other circumstances can affect how much you may contribute.
| Account or rule | 2025 amount or threshold | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) elective deferrals | $23,500 | Basic limit for 2025; plan rules and eligibility also apply. See the IRS contribution guidance. |
| IRA contributions | $7,000; $8,000 if age 50 or older | For 2025, subject to compensation and other rules. See IRS Publication 590-A. |
| Potential Saver’s Credit income ceiling: married filing jointly | $79,000 modified AGI | 2025 threshold; income alone does not establish eligibility. See IRS Publication 590-A. |
| Potential Saver’s Credit income ceiling: head of household | $59,250 modified AGI | 2025 threshold; other eligibility rules apply. See IRS Publication 590-A. |
| Potential Saver’s Credit income ceiling: most other filing statuses | $39,500 modified AGI | 2025 threshold; other eligibility rules apply. See IRS Publication 590-A. |
5. Treat the 401(k) limit as a ceiling, not a required target
The IRS set the basic 2025 401(k) elective deferral limit at $23,500. If you can save more, increasing your payroll contribution may help you move toward that ceiling; if you cannot, a smaller sustainable contribution is still a practical step. Confirm your plan’s contribution process and account for your current cash flow. IRS contribution limits and rules
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6. Consider an IRA if you are eligible
The 2025 IRA limit was $7,000, or $8,000 for someone age 50 or older. Contributions are also subject to compensation and eligibility rules. For a traditional IRA, whether contributions are deductible can depend on income, filing status, and whether you or your spouse is covered by a workplace retirement plan. Review IRS Publication 590-A before relying on a deduction.
7. Compare traditional and Roth tax treatment using your own circumstances
Traditional and Roth accounts can have different tax treatment, but there is no universally better choice for every saver. Consider your current tax situation and the applicable account rules, and consult current IRS guidance or a qualified tax professional if you need help applying them. The rules for deducting traditional IRA contributions depend on income, filing status, and workplace-plan coverage.
What tax benefits and account rules should I check?
8. Check whether you qualify for the Saver’s Credit
The 2025 modified adjusted gross income ceilings for potential eligibility were $79,000 for married filing jointly, $59,250 for head of household, and $39,500 for most other filing statuses. These are ceilings, not a promise of a credit: the credit rate depends on income and filing status, and age, dependent or student status, distributions, and other requirements can affect eligibility. Check the IRS’s Saver’s Credit rules and Publication 590-A.
9. Review catch-up rules for the correct year
Age-based catch-up contributions may be available under IRS rules, but the amount and eligibility depend on the tax year and the plan. Check current IRS guidance and your plan administrator before making a catch-up contribution; do not assume the standard limit includes an amount you personally can use. The IRS’s contribution guidance covers the relevant rules.
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How should I review my retirement investments?
10. Compare investment choices and fees
Use the investment and fee disclosures provided by your plan. Compare each option’s objectives, risk, performance over time, and costs rather than choosing solely on its recent return. Fees and expenses reduce investment returns, and the right choice depends on your circumstances and available plan options; the Department of Labor does not establish one universally best fund.
- Read the plan’s investment and fee information.
- Compare investment objectives and risk with your needs and time horizon.
- Consider performance over time, not only the most recent result.
- Account for fees and expenses when comparing options.
For guidance on plan investment information, see the Department of Labor’s retirement plan investing resource and guide to understanding retirement plan fees.
2026 update: limits are different
For tax year 2026, the IRS basic 401(k) elective deferral limit is $24,500. The IRA contribution limit is $7,500; the age-50 catch-up amount is $1,100, for a total of $8,600 where the rules permit. These 2026 figures are not the 2025 limits discussed above. Check the IRS contribution guidance, Publication 590-A, and Internal Revenue Bulletin 2025-49 for current rules.
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