Boost your retirement savings with catch-up contributions

Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially if you got a late start or had a few detours along the way.

You’re not alone – according to a recent survey, only 21% of workers feel very confident they’ll have enough money to live comfortably in retirement, while 32% admit they’re not confident at all.

Thankfully, there’s a powerful tool that can help older workers catch up on their savings – literally.

What are catch-up contributions?

Congress introduced catch-up contributions back in 2001 to help workers ages 50 and older make up for lost time. If you qualify, this provision lets you contribute more to your retirement accounts than younger workers can.

Here’s how it breaks down for 2025:

• The standard 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500
• If you’re age 50 or older, or will turn 50 this year, you can contribute up to $31,000
• If you’re between ages 60 and 63, you can go even further – up to $34,750

That’s a significant boost in your tax-deferred savings potential.

Why it matters

An extra $7,500 – or more – each year can make a big difference in the long run. Over time, it could mean tens, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars more in your retirement account. And when you retire, that larger balance could translate into more monthly income – or a longer-lasting nest egg.

To give you an idea: let’s say two people each contribute to their 401(k) from age 50 to 67. One sticks with the standard limit of $23,500, while the other takes advantage of catch-up contributions and puts in $31,000 annually. When they both retire at 67 and begin withdrawing $7,000 per month, the person who didn’t use catch-up contributions could run out of money before age 80. Meanwhile, the person who saved more will see their funds last significantly longer.