401(k) Balances Reach Record Highs in 2025 Amid Rising Hardship Withdrawals
In 2025, the median 401(k) balance reached $44,115, a 16% increase, driven by strong stock market gains and automated savings plans. However, hardship withdrawals also rose to a record 6%, reflecting financial stress among workers. The S&P 500 gained 16%, while the job market showed signs of weakness with rising layoffs and credit card delinquencies.
Topics: 401(k) balances automated savings Fidelity hardship withdrawals job market trends retirement savings S&P 500 Vanguard