Big Changes Coming to Your 401(k) Plans in 2025
Are you saving money for retirement? If you have a 401K plan or are thinking about getting one, some significant changes are coming next year that could help you save money for your future.
In 2022, Congress passed a new law called SECURE 2.0 to help more people save for retirement. Let’s look at three significant changes in 2025 that could affect your retirement savings.
401(k) Calculator. You can check your estimate of a 401(k) balance at retirement
Also Read – Tax Bracket Changes: What Middle-Income Earners Need to Know Practical
Key Takeaways 💡
For New Employees
- Starting 2025, you’ll be automatically enrolled in new 401K plans
- Your savings will begin at 3-10% of your paycheck
- You can opt-out if you don’t want to participate
- Small companies (under 10 employees) don’t have to follow this rule
For Part-Time Workers
- Easier to qualify for 401K plans
- Only need 2 years of 500+ hours (instead of 3 years)
- Can participate even with multiple part-time jobs
- Remember the total contribution limit across all your 401Ks
For Older Workers (Ages 60-63)
- Bigger catch-up contributions allowed
- Can save at least $10,000 extra per year
- Might be able to save even more (up to 50% above the regular catch-up amount)
- The amount will adjust for inflation after 2025
For Everyone
- Changes apply to both 401K and 403(b) plans
- New rules start January 2025
- More flexibility in saving for retirement
- Good time to review and update retirement planning
New 401(k) Plans Action Steps
- Check if your company’s 401K plan is new or existing
- Review your current contribution amounts
- Plan ahead for these 2025 changes
- Talk to your HR department or financial advisor if you have question
1. Automatic Sign-up
Starting in 2025, you’ll be automatically enrolled in your company’s 401(k) plan if they offer one. This means you won’t have to remember to sign up – it’s all taken care of for you! Of course, you can still opt out if you prefer not to participate.
A few exceptional cases:
- If your company has fewer than 10 workers
- If your company is less than three years old
- If you work for a church or government organization
Your boss will take out between 3% (Three) and 10% (Ten) of your paycheck for your 401(k). Many companies start at 6%. This amount will increase by 1% each year until it reaches your company’s maximum (usually between 10% and 15%), but you can always change these amounts if you want to save more or less.
2. Part-Time Workers Can Join Sooner
Right now, part-time workers need to work either:
- 1,000 hours in one year, or
- 500 hours per year for three years in a row
Starting in 2025, you’ll only need to work 500 hours for two years instead of three. This is excellent news if you are working part-time!
Important note: If you work two jobs and join both companies’ 401(k) plans, remember that there’s a limit to how much you can save total across all your 401(k)s. In 2024, that limit is $23,000.
3. Older Workers Can Save Extra Money
Worried you haven’t saved enough? If you’re between 60 and 63 years old, you’ll be able to save more money starting in 2025.
People over 50 can add an extra $7,500 annually to their 401K. Beginning in 2025, people aged over 60-63 will be able to add either:
- $10,000 extra, or
- 50% more than the regular extra amount, whichever is more.
For example, if the extra amount stays at $7,500, people aged 60-63 could add up to $11,250 to their 401(k) in 2025.
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What Does This Mean for You?
These changes are designed to help everyone save more for retirement:
- New workers will start saving automatically
- Part-time workers can start saving sooner
- Older workers can catch up on their savings faster
Remember, these changes don’t just affect 401(k) plans – they also apply to 403(b) plans (which are like 401(k)s for teachers and non-profit workers).
The best way to use these changes is to learn about them now and plan ahead. Think about how much you want to save and take advantage of these new rules when they start in 2025. Your future self will thank you!
