An infographic titled 7 strategies to strengthen your 401(k). An illustration at the top shows a person watering a tree whose canopy is made of green circles containing dollar signs. Below it reads: If you’re contributing to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan, consider taking these steps to help maximize your retirement benefits.

The seven strategies are arranged along branching lines resembling a tree.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR EMPLOYER MATCH

Try to contribute as much as necessary to get the maximum matching contribution from your employer.

REVIEW AND ADJUST YOUR PLAN ANNUALLY

Increase your contributions when possible – for example, after paying off a car, you can redirect those freed-up funds to your 401(k) – and set up an automatic 1% annual increase.

UNDERSTAND THE PROS AND CONS OF ALL AVAILABLE DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS

If you change jobs, consider all available options to determine what may be best for any retirement savings in your former employer's plan.*

MAX OUT CONTRIBUTIONS

If possible, contribute the annual maximum, which is $24,500 for 2026. If you're age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $8,000. If you're age 60-63, your catch-up contribution limit is $11,250, if permitted by your plan.

DIVERSIFY INVESTMENTS

Spreading your investments across different asset classes can help to reduce risk.

STAY INVESTED

Avoid panic selling. Staying invested through ups and downs can be beneficial to long-term growth.

WITHDRAW FUNDS WHEN IT’S TIME (AND ONLY WHEN IT’S TIME!)

Taking distributions before age 59½ can result in penalties and taxes, but you must start taking withdrawals at age 73 (75 if born in 1960 or later) to avoid penalties.

*Be sure to consider all of your available options and the applicable fees and features of each option before moving your retirement assets.

RAYMOND JAMES

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The foregoing content reflects the opinions of Raymond James Institutional Fiduciary Solutions and is subject to change at any time without notice. Content provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as investment advice. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Matching contributions from your employer may be subject to a vesting schedule. Please consult with your financial advisor for more information.

© 2026 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. © 2026 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment products are: not deposits, not FDIC/NCUA insured, not insured by any government agency, not bank guaranteed, subject to risk and may lose value. Raymond James® is a registered trademark of Raymond James Financial, Inc. IFS26-1152043 EXP 8/19/2027 26-GWS-3277 TA 8/26