You know Your Survival Guy appreciates Americans who save ’til it hurts. And that’s just what a lot of you are doing. Fidelity recently released its Q2 Retirement analysis, and Americans are saving at record levels. Here are a couple of data points from the release, starting with record-high contributions to 401(k)s:
Record savings rates remain steady
14.4% average 401(k) savings rate
Total average savings rates held at record levels for the second consecutive quarter, remaining at 14.4% for 401(k) savers and 12% for 403(b) participants. The 401(k) rate was driven by a record-high employee contribution rate of 9.6%, combined with an average employer contribution of 4.8%, bringing many workers closer to Fidelity’s recommended 15% annual savings benchmark.
The second data point is a major increase in contribution rates to retirement savings:
Workers continue to prioritize retirement savings
36% year over year increase in IRA contributions
As of Q2 2026, 12.1% of 401(k) participants increased their contribution rate, while more than 8 in 10 (81.2%) saved enough to receive their employer’s full matching contribution. IRA savers increased contributions by 36% from Q2 of last year.
Action Line: When you want to talk about your savings for retirement, email me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
