There is more good news for retirement accounts this year. The IRS has released the updated contribution limits for 2026, and several of the adjustments will allow investors to save even more. As you can see below, these new limits continue the trend of expanding opportunities for retirement savers.

Last year, we highlighted the new SECURE 2.0 rule introducing a higher catch-up contribution for employees aged 60, 61, 62 and 63. For 2026, that enhanced “super” catch-up window remains in place, giving late-career savers another year to take advantage of the increased limit.

How do these changes impact your savings in the upcoming year? Are there any changes you should be making? Schedule a time to meet one-on-one with our team. We look forward to working with you in 2026!

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Many small businesses are behind.

There are several retirement solutions that can help you secure your future and that of your employees, but the decision-making process can be challenging.

A survey of nearly 2,000 small business owners in 2017 found that over a third (34%) don't have a retirement plan. The main reason for this cited (by 37% of those respondents) was that they could not generate enough revenue to save. Another 18% of the business owners without retirement savings are looking at selling the businesses as a retirement plan.

Many small business owners avoid or are unaware of the crucial elements of planning for their futures. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding on a retirement plan:

Do you have employees or expect to in the future?

Is it important that employees can contribute to a retirement plan?

Is your priority higher contributions or ease of administration?

Would you like plan contributions to be deductible as a business expense?

What retirement plan options do you have?

With help from Vanguard, we put together a one-sheeter that gives details and considerations on several small business retirement plans, including Small Plan 401(k), Individual 401(k), SEP IRA, Simple IRA, Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA.

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Source: Vanguard

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Keep in mind that Oregon law requires all employers who do not offer a qualified retirement plan to facilitate OregonSaves.

As of 2025, all existing Oregon businesses should already be registered with OregonSaves or have a certified exemption. Newly formed businesses must register or certify exemption by July 31, 2025. The rules are identical to a Roth IRA, where employees contribute post-tax dollars to the plan and distribute savings tax-free.

If your business already sponsors or wants to sponsor a 401(k) or another qualified retirement plan, you are not required to participate in OregonSaves but must certify the exemption online. Exemption certificates are valid for three years from the filing date.

Employers who don’t sponsor a retirement plan or participate in OregonSaves by the appointed deadline may be penalized $100 per affected employee. The maximum fine per year is $5,000. More details can be found here: OregonSaves

Which plan is best for you?

401(k): Best retirement plan for large and established small businesses.

Safe Harbor 401(k): Best retirement plan for small businesses with less than 100 workers to avoid expensive annual compliance testing.

Solo 401(k): Best retirement plan for maximizing contributions.

SEP IRA: Best retirement plan for a sole proprietor who wants easy administration.

Simple IRA: Best retirement plan for employee participation in funding the retirement account.

Profit Sharing Plan: Best retirement plan for business owners who want more 401(k) contributions and tax benefits.

The responsibilities of owning and operating a small business can be overwhelming, but having the right retirement plan and advocates on your side can make all the difference. If you would like assistance making the best decision for your business, we invite you to schedule an appointment on the calendar below.

Source: Best Retirement Plans for Small Business

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Looking to go on a “once in a lifetime” trip to Fiji? Remodel your kitchen? Buy a new car? If your employer plan allows it, you may be tempted to take out a loan from your 401(k) to help fund that major expense.

Before you do, let’s talk through what a 401k loan looks like today and why borrowing from your future self can cost far more than you expect.

The Details

If your 401(k) plan allows loans, you can technically borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your owned retirement savings (vested balance), whichever is less. There’s no credit check, and repayments are automatically taken from your paycheck.

For 2025, the interest rate on a 401k loan is roughly 9.50% (Rate of Prime + 1%). That’s a high rate for borrowing from yourself, and it can add up quickly. While the interest you pay goes back into your account, it’s still your retirement money being used, which could slow long-term growth.

Even though it’s allowed, taking a loan from your 401(k) isn’t usually recommended: about 1 in 5 people with a 401(k) have a loan at any given time, but doing so can put your future financial security at risk.

The Dangerous Reality

Still sounds pretty good, right? Well… not so fast.

A 401(k) loan can come at a real cost and not just the money you pull out today. It’s the potential long-term growth and retirement dollars you lose out on by stepping out of the market and halting contributions.

Here’s what you need to understand:

You lose tax-advantaged growth
Loan repayments are made with after-tax dollars. Then you’ll likely pay tax again when withdrawing the funds in retirement. That double-tax effect makes the math harder to win.

You could face a tax bill and penalty if you change jobs
If you leave your employer before the loan is repaid, the remaining balance typically must be paid back by tax filing time. If not, the balance becomes taxable and if you are under 59½, you may face a 10% early withdrawal penalty.

Stopping contributions
Many borrowers pause contributions while repaying the loan. If your plan gives an employer match, that means you may miss out on free money.

Dollars stop compounding
The money you borrow no longer participates in the market. In periods of growth, missing out on compounding has long-term consequences.

A Real-Life Example

Say you make $75,000 a year and want to borrow $15,000 from your 401(k) to fund a big trip or home project. To make the loan payments easier, you pause your 401(k) contributions while you pay it back.

Let’s also assume you already have $50,000 saved in your 401(k) when you take this loan.

Here’s what happens:

• You normally save 7% of your pay ($5,250/year)

• Your employer matches another 3% ($2,250/year)

By stopping contributions for three years, you miss:

• $15,750 you would have put in

• $6,750 your employer would have matched

That’s $22,500 total that never gets invested.

Now let’s look at the long-term impact.

This graph is for illustration purposes only. It highlights the impact a loan has on an individual’s retirement balance and monthly retirement income after 30 years of investment growth during working years (assuming 7% annual market return and annual contributions of $7,500) and 30 years of income through retirement (assuming 4% rate of return). In this example an individual takes a $15k 401(k) loan from a $50k balance to pay down some bills and a finance a vacation.

If that $22,500 had been invested and grew at a reasonable long-term rate of 7% per year over 30 years it could grow to roughly $265,000 by retirement age.

That also means potentially $1,250 less per month during retirement all to fund something that might only last a week or two, today.

Options to Consider

For some people, a 401(k) loan may be a necessary tool for true emergencies. But for vacations, renovations, or lifestyle upgrades, think twice.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Build a dedicated savings fund for big trips or purchases

• Maintain an emergency reserve (3–6 months of expenses)

• Continue contributions if a loan is taken, especially if employer match is available

• Talk with your plan administrator or financial advisor to understand your plan’s rules

Borrowing from your retirement plan may feel easy, but the long-term cost can be steep. Give your future self the chance to enjoy a comfortable retirement without sacrificing peace of mind today.

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Disclosure: This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide investment, tax, or legal advice. The examples provided are hypothetical and for illustration only. Actual results will vary. Retirement plan loans and withdrawals may have long-term effects on your savings and tax situation. Consider consulting a qualified financial professional before making decisions about your 401(k) or other retirement accounts.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Human Investing is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply any level of skill or training.

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Social Security remains a cornerstone of American retirement planning, yet it’s often shrouded with concern and misinformation. As the dialogue about its future grows increasingly pessimistic, many people question its reliability and role in their retirement income plans. Understanding the current state of Social Security is crucial for making informed decisions about your financial future.

Perception vs. Reality:  The Role of the Trust Fund

Much of the anxiety around Social Security comes from media reports highlighting the shrinking trust fund. This often leads to the mistaken belief that the program is on the verge of collapse. But the real issue isn’t mismanagement—it's demographics. As baby boomers retire and people live longer, benefits are outpacing payroll tax revenues.

Historically, Social Security operated on a pay-as-you-go basis. Since 2010, however, benefits have exceeded payroll tax collections. To bridge the gap, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been tapping into the trust fund, a practice that will continue until the fund is expected to run out by 2033[i]. While this sounds alarming, it doesn't mean Social Security will vanish.

Misunderstandings About Insolvency

A common misconception is that the depletion of the trust fund means Social Security will go bankrupt and cease to exist. In reality, even after the fund is exhausted, payroll tax revenues will still cover approximately 79% of retirement benefits[ii]. This isn’t a doomsday scenario; it’s a call for strategic policy adjustments.

Fixing the Funding Gap – Potential Reforms

The SSA has proposed several solutions to address Social Security’s funding gap. Here are some of the most viable strategies:

1. Increase Social Payroll Tax – Projections show Social Security's long-run deficit is 3.5% of covered payroll earnings[iii]. Raising payroll taxes by this amount—1.75 percentage points each for employees and employers—could secure full benefits through 2098, with a one-year reserve at the end.

2. Increase the Social Security Wage Base—In 2024, the first $168,000 of earned income is taxed at 6.2% each for employees and employers; self-employed individuals will pay 12.4%.[iv] Increasing the Social Security wage base can help address the shortfall.

3. Increase Full Retirement Age (FRA): Currently set at age 67 for individuals born in 1960 and beyond, the FRA dictates when retirees can claim full retirement benefits without reduction. Each one-year increase in the FRA equates to roughly a 7% cut in monthly benefits for affected retirees. Raising the FRA to 70 would reduce benefits by nearly 20% at any given claiming age.[v] This change aligns with historical precedent, as the FRA was originally 65 for most of Social Security’s history.  

4. Invest in Equities: The SSA could explore investment strategies to enhance returns, following successful models utilized by other countries like Canada or systems such as the US Railroad Retirement System.                    

These measures would require political compromise but could ensure the program’s sustainability and continued support for retirees.

Planning for a Reduced Benefit Scenario

Amid ongoing discussions about Social Security reforms, it’s essential to hope for the best but prepare for the worst—acknowledging the potential for reduced benefits if corrective actions fail to shore up funding. The looming risks of benefit cuts necessitate careful consideration alongside other retirement planning factors, including life expectancy, additional income streams, risk tolerance, inflation, and potential spousal benefits.

Consider your Options in an Ever-evolving Social Security Landscape

Despite the challenges and negative perceptions, Social Security is not on the brink of collapse. With informed decisions and potential policy adjustments, the program can continue to support retirees for many years. It's crucial to stay informed and consider the evolving landscape of Social Security in your retirement planning. We’re here to support you. Contact us to meet with an advisor and learn more about your options.

Sources

[i] Social Security Administration. (2024). The 2024 OASDI Trustees Report. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/tr/2024/

[ii] Munnell, Alicia H. 2024. "Social Security's Financial Outlook: The 2024 Update in Perspective" Issue in Brief 24-11. Chestnut Hill, MA: Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.

[iii] SSA, The 2024 OASDI trustees report. p.17.

[iv]Social Security Administration. (2024). Contribution and benefit base. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/cbb.html

[v] Springstead, G. R. (2011). Distributional effects of accelerating and extending the increase in the full retirement age (Policy Brief No. 2011-01). Social Security Administration. https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/policybriefs/pb2011-01.html) 

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Taking a distribution from a tax-qualified retirement plan, like a 401(k) before age 59.5, is generally subject to a 10% penalty for early withdrawal. The exceptions to paying this 10% penalty are:

• Hardship distributions

• Rule of 55

Are you familiar with how the Rule of 55 works? If you want to retire early, this blog post is significant for you.

What is the Rule of 55?

The Rule of 55 is an IRS provision that allows employees who leave their job on or after age 55 to take penalty-free distributions from their retirement accounts. It’s a life hack! Typically, individuals would face a 10% early-withdrawal penalty if they access their retirement account before age 59.5. The 10% penalty and account accessibility are two of the reasons why people plan to work until at least age 59.5. 

If you are someone who is thinking about retiring early, the following Rule of 55 requirements are necessary:

1. You leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily) in or after the year you turn 55 years old.

2. Your plan must allow for withdrawals before age 59.5.

3. Your dollars must be kept in your employer’s retirement plan. If you roll them over to an IRA, you lose the Rule of 55 protection.

4. You will likely want your plan to allow partial distributions when you are terminated.

Access to your retirement account at age 55 is available for all employees with an employer-sponsored retirement account. However, if you are considering retiring after age 55 and using funds from this retirement account, you must check whether your plan allows partial distributions. This feature is an opt-in feature for employers to select. We recommend that you work closely with your recordkeeper to ensure you can take advantage of the Rule of 55 in a way that benefits you.

3 Examples of the Rule of 55

Look at a few examples of employees with partial distributions compared to employees without partial distributions allowed in their plan.

Example 1: Partial Distributions Allowed

Danielle can take any amount from her PDX 401(k) account. For example, in October 2022, she can request $30,000. She doesn’t have to take anything out in 2023. She could take another $65,000 out in January 2024.

EXAMPLE 2: Partial Distributions Disallowed

Martin’s employer-sponsored retirement plan does not permit partial distributions. If he wants to access his retirement account at age 57 without incurring a 10% early-withdrawal penalty, he would have to withdraw the entire $450,000. This would result in reporting $450,000 of taxable income for the year of his distribution. Given the tax bracket optimization strategies that exist during retirement years, this may not be Martin’s best solution for accessing dollars before age 59.5.

A couple of alternative solutions for Martin are:

1. Ideally, Martin would have a cash-flow plan to support his expenses until he reaches age 59.5.

2. Initiate a direct rollover of his $450,000 retirement account into a IRA account. Then take distributions as needed but expect to pay a 10% penalty on these dollars. Before paying a 10% penalty on an early-distribution from a IRA, we would recommend that Martin review other cashflow options he may have.

Example 3: Partial Distributions Disallowed

Rebecca, age 56, has $67,000 saved in her most recent 401(k) account with ABC Company. She also has $700,000 saved in her previous 401(k) account with XYZ Company. Neither of these retirement plans allow for partial distributions.

Rebecca retired at age 56 from ABC Company, so she can take the entire $67,000 balance out in one lump sum distribution. She will not owe a 10% penalty on these dollars due to the Rule of 55.

If she were to access any of her $700,000 saved in her previous 401(k) account with XYZ Company before age 59.5, then she would incur a 10% penalty. Not to mention the $700,000 is sitting in a plan that disallows partial distributions so that would be significant taxable income to report in the same tax year. Similar to the example above, Rebecca may consider initiating a direct rollover of her $700,000 into a IRA account for more flexible distribution choices.

What About Other 401(k) Accounts from Previous Jobs?

To qualify for the Rule of 55, you must be terminated as an employee on or after age 55. Therefore, if you have multiple retirement accounts, the only ones that will qualify for a penalty-free distribution between ages 55 and 59.5 are accounts with your termination date reflecting that age range.

One consideration is to roll over a previous retirement account into your current account before you retire. We recommend speaking with your recordkeeper to confirm that your retirement plan features are designed so rollover sources can be accessible by partial distributions.

For example, if Danielle from above had another 401(k) account, she could have rolled that into her PDX 401(k) account before retiring. All the dollars in the account would be eligible for Rule of 55 distributions.

What if I Decide to go Back to Work but have Taken Distributions Already?

Going back to work after you have taken a Rule of 55 distribution should not result in a 10% penalty. If you go back to work for the same company, then you may lose the ability to access funds as an active employee. However, your distributions will not be impacted if you go back to work at another organization.

How are Rule of 55 Distributions Tracked for Tax Reasons?

Custodians and recordkeepers are responsible for providing a Form 1099-R. This tax form reports any distributions from a retirement account. If you take a distribution under the Rule of 55, you would expect to see code 2 in box 7 of your 1099-R form. Code 2 specifies the following:

2 - Early distribution, exception applies (under age 59.5)

If your 1099-R form includes Code 2 in box 7, you will not owe a 10% penalty. Before you initiate a withdrawal between ages 55-59.5, we recommend confirming your record keeper will issue the 1099 in this format.

What Other Resources do you Have?

Retirement is a transition that only happens once in life. You probably haven’t retired before, and you likely won’t retire again. Retirement transitions involve several financial planning considerations and we wanted to conclude this article with additional resources that may be helpful to you:

Your Pre-Retirement Checklist

The 3 Questions to Ask to Build a Solid Retirement Income Plan

Why an IRA Makes More Sense in Retirement than your 401(k)

While the articles are supplemental information, we believe the best way to prepare for your upcoming retirement is to collaborate with our team at Human Investing. Please use this scheduling link to meet with our team to review your unique financial landscape before you start planning your retirement celebration(s): Schedule here.

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