Retirement account balances, which sank at the start of 2025 amid wild market swings , hit record highs in the third quarter, according to the latest data from Fidelity Investments, the nation's largest provider of 401(k) savings plans.

The average 401(k) balance jumped 9% from a year ago to $144,400, an all-time high, Fidelity found .

The average individual retirement account balance also rose 7% year over year to $137,902.

Fidelity's report showed increased interest in Roth 401(k)s and IRAs, particularly among younger savers.

Like a traditional 401(k), Roth 401(k)s let you contribute up to $24,500, which is the new, higher limit for 2026 . But a key difference is that contributions to a Roth 401(k) are taxed upfront so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

Roth 40

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