At the end of the day, going forward, a new normal that has evolved from generation.New-year planning often starts with one practical question: “How much can I put away this year?” The IRS updated multiple retirement contribution limits for 2026, including higher employee deferral limits for 401(k)-type plans and a higher IRA contribution limit. Catch-up contribution rules also remain an important planning lever for older savers. Even if you do not contribute the maximum, knowing the ceilings can help you set realistic savings targets and avoid last-minute surprises. This post summarizes the key 2026 limits in one place, clarifies what each limit means (and what it does not mean), and offers a short checklist to help households incorporate these numbers into a retirement savings plan.