Every year seems to bring a fresh opportunity to sharpen our financial habits. But this upcoming year — 2026 — presents one of the most tangible chances I’ve seen to be more intentional with investing.
📈 What’s New for 2026
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially increased the retirement-account contribution limits for 2026, giving savers more space to invest tax-advantaged and think long-term. Here are the key updates:
-
The contribution limit for 401(k) (and similar defined-contribution plans) will rise to $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025). CBS News+3IRS+3PLANSPONSOR+3
-
For individuals aged 50 and over who are eligible for catch-up contributions, the extra amount for 401(k) plans will increase to $8,000, which means total contributions (under certain conditions) can reach $32,500. PLANSPONSOR+1
-
The annual contribution limit for IRAs is increasing to $7,500 (from $7,000) in 2026. KPMG+1
-
The IRA catch-up contribution for those 50+ will increase to $1,100 (up from $1,000). Voya Financial+1
-
Roth IRA income phase-out ranges and other eligibility thresholds are also moving higher — meaning more of us may qualify to contribute fully. Voya Financial+1
These aren’t minor tweaks. They’re meaningful. More room to contribute means more potential for growth, more tax-advantaged savings, and more leverage for your future.
🧭 Why I’m Getting Personally Committed
Over the years, I’ve always tried my hardest to reach the max amount in my retirement accounts — but the truth is, “trying hard” often turned into “I did okay.” In 2026, I’m upping the ante.
Here’s what I’m committing to:
-
Maxing out my 401(k) contribution (or getting as close as I can) with this new $24,500 limit.
-
Fully maxing my IRA, or as much as possible, up to $7,500.
-
Making the stock market (or whichever diversified investment strategy I use) truly part of investing in myself — not just “saving for later,” but building abundance now.
-
Tracking progress monthly, making adjustments, and staying accountable.
Why? Because the amount you contribute today has the power to multiply for decades. Because treating investing like a habit, like self-investment, changes your mindset from “I hope my money works” to “My money is working for me.”
🧠 How I’m Making This Work
Here are the steps I’m putting into action to turn this commitment into reality:
-
Automate the contributions. As soon as my paycheck hits, I’ll direct the max or a set amount into my 401(k) and IRA. Out of sight = out of temptation.
-
Review quarterly. I’ll check in every quarter, update my progress, and see if I need to increase the amount (especially if I get a raise or bonus).
-
Treat it like expense priority. Just like my rent or utilities, this contribution becomes non-negotiable. It’s part of my base financial structure, not something I “might do.”
-
Learn about the stock market. I’m committing to read or watch one investing video or article per month — to keep growing my understanding, so I invest wisely, not just blindly.
-
Celebrate the wins. Any time I hit the amount I set or see the invested funds increase by a percentage, I’ll celebrate — because progress deserves acknowledgement.
🌱 The Bigger Picture: Abundance vs. Scarcity
There’s a difference between saving money because you’re worried and investing money because you believe.
In 2026, I want to lean into the latter.
I want to invest in myself — not with one big risky bet, but with consistent, disciplined action.
I want to treat the stock market, these retirement accounts, as tools of abundance — not just tax shelters, but gateways to bigger possibilities.
Because when you believe in your future, your money becomes an ally.
🔍 Your Turn: What Will You Do in 2026?
-
Did you max out your retirement contributions this year? If not — what’s your plan to get closer next year?
-
Can you automate more of your investing so you don’t have to think about it monthly?
-
What’s one mindset shift you need to make, from “just saving” to “seriously investing”?
Let’s treat 2026 as our year of investing in ourselves.
Let’s use these increased limits not as just numbers, but as opportunities.
Because abundance isn’t just about what you keep — it’s about what you build.
Here’s to a richer, more intentional financial year ahead! 💫