Quick answer
Retirement money comes down to three things: saving in tax-advantaged accounts while you work, timing Social Security, and keeping everyday banking and debt costs low. If you’re 50 or older you can put extra into workplace plans and IRAs with catch-up contributions, and from ages 60 to 63 the 401(k) catch-up is even larger. Full retirement age for Social Security is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later.
Key retirement numbers for 2026
| Item | 2026 |
|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457 employee limit | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50+ | $8,000 extra ($11,250 at ages 60–63) |
| IRA limit | $7,500 (+$1,100 at 50+) |
| Social Security full retirement age | 67 if born in 1960 or later |
| Required minimum distributions start | Age 73 |
| FDIC insurance | $250,000 per depositor, per bank, per ownership category |
Last reviewed October 26, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: IRS, SSA, FDIC.
This is SeniorAffair’s guide to money in and near retirement: retirement accounts, Social Security, banking, home equity and debt. Start with the essentials, or jump to a topic.
- Retirement savings and accounts
- Social Security
- Banking and everyday savings
- Investing
- Home equity and borrowing
- Credit and debt
- Planning for care costs
Start here
- Comparing 403B and 401K Retirement Plans: What Are the Key Differences?
- 5 Best Retirement Plans For A Secure Financial Future
- 5 Of The Best High-Yield Checking Accounts For Maximum Returns
- Unlock Your Potential: Maximize Your Social Security Benefits Today
- Choosing the Right Path: Debt Relief vs. Debt Consolidation Explained
Retirement savings and accounts
401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs and how to protect your nest egg.
- Investing For The Future: Finding The Best IRA Accounts For Your Retirement Needs
- Is your Nest Egg at Risk?
Social Security
When to claim, how to get more, and how benefits are taxed.
- Social Security’s 2027 COLA Is 3.6%: About $75 More a Month
- Is Social Security Income Taxable? Everything You Need To Know
Banking and everyday savings
Where to keep cash, and ways to spend less.
- The Difference Between Checking And Savings Accounts: What You Need To Know
- 8 Smart Ways Seniors Are Saving Money in 2026 (Real Products & Programs That Work)
- Unlock Big Savings: The Ultimate Guide to Senior Discounts
Investing
Research and advice services for long-term investors.
Home equity and borrowing
Reverse mortgages, VA loans and short-term borrowing.
- Reverse Mortgages: A Beginner’s Guide. What You Need To Know
- Veteran Guide: Landing a VA Loan When Home buying, 7 Tips to Consider
- Short-Term Personal Loans: 5 Beneficial Reasons to Apply
Credit and debt
Getting out of debt and rebuilding credit.
- 5 Steps To Get A Credit Card With Bad Credit
- Tradeline Supply Company Review: Can Authorized User Tradelines Boost Senior Credit Scores? (2026)
Insurance and protection
- Best life insurance for seniors: term, whole, final expense and guaranteed issue explained
- Home warranties for retirees: what they cover, cost and exclude
- Identity theft protection: free steps and paid monitoring services
- Travel insurance for seniors: what Medicare and Medigap cover abroad
- Best checking accounts for seniors: no-fee and high-interest options
Planning for care costs
What long-term care costs and how families plan for it.
- What Long-Term Care Really Costs in 2026 (And What Falls Outside Insurance)
- The Planning Window Most Families Miss
- Insurance Covers Risk. Who Covers Everyday Life?
Questions about this guide or a correction? Contact us. Read how we research and update articles in our Editorial Policy.
