2026 401(k) snapshot: balances rise with age, yet retirement gaps persist

Empower's 2026 data show the average 401(k) balance is $351,242, with age-stratified averages climbing from about $125k in the 20s to $223k in the 30s, $425k in the 40s, $643k in the 50s, and roughly $583k for those 60 and older; medians are much lower, signaling wide dispersion across balances. Focus on your own age group rather than comparing to others, and consider auto-investing apps (like Acorns) and high-yield savings (like SoFi) to boost growth, along with professional retirement planning guidance. The piece also touches on diversification ideas like gold IRAs and notes that sustainable withdrawals often rely on the 4% rule.