How to Build a Million-Dollar 401(k) in 2026
If you’ve been wondering what it takes to become a 401(k) millionaire, you’re not alone.
With retirement account balances hitting record highs in 2025, more Americans are proving that building a 7-figure nest egg is possible.
According to Fidelity, “the number of 401(k) accounts with a balance of $1 million or more jumped to 654,000 as of Sept. 30, 2025, up 10% from the second quarter” of 2025. [1]
So what are 401(k) millionaires doing that others aren’t?
Below are the 6 strategies that help move savers into millionaire territory.
#1 Contribute Regularly and Increase 401(k) Contributions
One of the most powerful habits of 401(k) millionaires is simple: They contribute regularly and increase contributions whenever possible.
Even when the market is turbulent.
Thanks to strong market gains in 2025 and steady saver behavior, average account balances climbed.
Fidelity reports that “the average 401(k) contribution rate, including employer and employee contributions, held steady at 14.2%, just shy of their suggested savings rate of 15%.”[1]
To follow their lead:
- Contribute every single paycheck
- Increase your rate by 1%-2% whenever your budget allows
- Use windfalls, such as tax refunds or bonuses, to boost contributions
And remember: Staying invested matters.
#2 Stay in the Market
When you are tempted to stop contributing or to contribute less, don’t give in.
Stay the course.
At the beginning of 2025, many savers saw their balances fall due to market turbulence.
But those who stayed the course benefited as the market rebounded sharply:
401(k) millionaires don’t panic. They stay invested.
#3 Capitalize on Employer Matches
Another factor that accelerates millionaire growth is taking full advantage of employer matching.
A typical employer match ranges from 3%-6% of pay.
This means that, if you contribute enough to receive your company’s match, your employer will contribute the same amount back to your retirement plan.
As an example:
- If you earn $60,000 and contribute 6%, you save $3,600
- If your employer matches 100% up to 6%, that’s another $3,600 of FREE money
Skipping the match is like turning down free money.
If you want to reach millionaire status faster, never leave matching dollars on the table.
[Related Read: The #1 401(k) Mistake Married Couples Make Is Failing to Take Advantage of Employer Matches]
#4 Don’t Just Contribute – Stay Engaged with Your 401(k)
401(k) millionaires don’t “set it and forget it.”
They check in with their account, stay informed of changes related to their 401(k), and regularly rebalance their account.
Engaged savers:
- Read their 401(k) statements
- Review their investment lineup
- Rebalance when allocations drift
- Pay attention to fees
- Make sure their portfolio matches their goals and risk tolerance
This matters because your retirement account changes every time the market moves – especially in years like 2025, when markets first dropped sharply and then surged to new highs.
If your portfolio isn’t monitored and adjusted, you could be taking too much (or too little) risk without realizing it.
Rebalancing at the right times helps you:
- Capture gains
- Protect against market downside
- Stay aligned with your long-term plan
If you’re not sure how to evaluate your investments or rebalance correctly, that’s where 401(k) Maneuver can help.
We provide independent, professional account management with the goal to help employees, just like you, grow and protect their 401(k) accounts.
Our goal is to increase your account performance over time, manage downside risk to minimize losses, and reduce fees that are hurting your retirement account performance.
See how we can help you grow and protect your 401(k).
#5 Avoid Target Date Funds
Many savers are automatically placed into target date funds when they start a new job.
But 401(k) millionaires often avoid relying on them for some of these reasons:
- Target date funds are not personalized to your goals or risk tolerance
- Fees may be higher than other available options
- Performance can lag in strong markets
- Glide paths may become too conservative too early
- They may not manage downside risk effectively during volatile markets
Target date funds are designed for simplicity, not optimization.
Think about 2025: Markets dropped hard early in the year, then rebounded.
A target date fund may not have been positioned to capture the upswing as effectively.
Millionaires are more intentional. They choose investments based on:
- Their timeline
- Their goals
- Their risk comfort
- Their desired level of involvement
If you want stronger results, consider a more personalized allocation instead of relying solely on a one-size-fits-all fund.
#6 Get Help with Your Retirement Future
Even the most committed savers benefit from personalized, professional guidance.
The difference can be massive.
While Fidelity reports positive, consistent savings actions were key drivers of higher balances in 2025, professional guidance helps ensure…
- You’re investing appropriately
- Your account stays balanced
- You adjust to market conditions
- You avoid costly mistakes
- You stick to the plan during volatility
This is exactly where 401(k) Maneuver shines.
We rebalance your 401(k) for you – within your existing plan – so you can stay focused on life while we stay focused on optimizing your retirement future.
If you’re serious about becoming a 401(k) millionaire, you don’t have to do it alone.
Want Help Getting Your 401(k) on Track?
If you’re serious about becoming a 401(k) millionaire, you don’t have to do it alone.
401(k) Maneuver provides professional account management designed to:
- Increase long-term performance
- Reduce downside risk
- Help you avoid unnecessary fees
- Keep your investments aligned with your goals
No meetings. No moving your account. No new accounts to open.
Just better management…done for you.
Have questions or concerns about your 401(k) performance? Book a complimentary 15-minute 401(k) Strategy Session with one of our advisors.
Sources
[1] CNBC. Average 401(k), IRA balances hit record highs amid 2025’s market gains. Published November 20, 2025.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/20/average-401k-ira-balances-hit-record-highs-amid-2025s-market-gains.html
