Strong Market Conditions and Consistent Savings Boost Accounts
The fourth quarter of the year brought positive news for retirement savers as account balances reached a two-year high, driven by improved market conditions and steady savings rates, as reported by Fidelity Investments.
Account Balances Soar
- The average 401(k) balance soared to $118,600 in the fourth quarter, marking a substantial 14% increase from the previous year.
- Meanwhile, the average IRA balance saw a 12% rise, reaching $116,600.
- Additionally, the average 403(b) balance climbed to $106,100, showing a notable 14% growth compared to the prior year.
Outlook for Retirement Savers
“This past year concluded on a positive note for retirement savers,” stated Sharon Brovelli, President of Workplace Investing at Fidelity Investments. Despite the market’s ups and downs throughout 2023, many savers remained steadfast in their commitment to long-term financial security.
Gen X Reaches Milestone
For Generation X workers who consistently contributed to their 401(k) over 15 years, the average balance surpassed half a million dollars, reaching $501,000 by the end of 2023. Fidelity emphasized how sustained long-term saving habits can lead to significant financial gains. (Gen X encompasses individuals born from 1965 to 1980.)
Rise in 401(k) Millionaires
Fidelity also noted a notable increase in the number of 401(k) millionaires during the fourth quarter. The count of individuals with at least $1 million in their accounts rose to 422,000, reflecting a 20% surge from the previous quarter when market conditions had impacted millionaire numbers. Comparing to the second quarter of 2023, there was an 11.5% upswing in millionaires.
In conclusion, the fourth quarter of 2023 painted a positive picture for retirement savers with remarkable growth in account balances and an increase in the number of individuals achieving millionaire status.
The Resilience of 401(k) Millionaires
Staying Power through Turbulent Times
“Americans love that millionaire title or that idea of a million dollars,” notes Michael Shamrell, vice president of thought leadership at Fidelity’s workplace investing division. He highlights the resilience of 401(k) millionaires, pointing out their impressive average tenure of 26 years, dating back to 1998. These individuals have weathered significant financial events like the dot-com crash and 9/11, showcasing the importance of staying the course.
Impressive Savings Habits
The savings rate for these millionaire investors stands at an impressive 26.6%, encompassing both personal contributions and employer matches. While recognizing that not everyone can save at such rates, Shamrell underscores the positive financial behaviors exhibited by these individuals.
Overall Trends in 401(k) Savings
Fidelity reports that in 2023, the total 401(k) savings rate held steady at 13.9%, accounting for both employee and employer contributions. This rate remains consistent with the previous quarters of the year and shows a slight increase from the prior year’s fourth-quarter rate of 13.7%.
Encouraging Retirement-Savings Behavior
In a positive trend, 37% of workers opted to boost their retirement-savings contribution rate in 2023. With provisions in the Secure 2.0 Act pushing required minimum distributions to age 73, more pre-retirees and retirees under 70 continued to prioritize savings over withdrawals from their 401(k) plans. Only a small percentage of retirees aged 70 to 72 made withdrawals, while the majority of those aged 73 and older accessed their funds.
Rise of Roth IRAs Among Gen Z Investors
An interesting development was the 50% increase in the number of Roth IRA accounts held by Gen Z investors, born between 1997 and 2012, during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared with the previous year. Roth IRAs offer after-tax contributions and tax-free withdrawals, making them an attractive option for younger savers.
Observing Positive Savings Behaviors Among Gen Z
As the oldest Gen Z members start approaching their late 20s, there is a notable trend of positive savings behaviors among this generation. According to Shamrell, the numbers are quite promising and warrant further observation.
A Focus on Future Milestones
With major milestones like marriage and homeownership potentially on the horizon for many Gen Z individuals, it is crucial to monitor whether their commendable savings habits persist. This ongoing trend is indicative of a financially mindful generation that is setting themselves up for future success.