Maxing out a 401(k) is one of the most reliable ways to build wealth for retirement.
This workplace account lets you make pre-tax contributions and, in many cases, your contributions also qualify you for matching funds from your employer
The annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k) plans is $24,500 for 2026. Those 50 and older can contribute up to an additional $8,000. Those 60 to 63 can contribute up to an additional $11,250 instead of the standard catch-up amount, if their plan allows.
Even so, many people who max out the 401(k) aren’t sure what to do next. If you’ve hit the contribution ceiling at work and want to keep building your financial foundation, here are seven moves worth considering. 24/7 Wall St. 1. A fully-funded emergency fund If you don’t already have an emergency fund parked in a high-yield savings account, that should be your top priority before anything else.