The IRS Set New IRA Contribution Limits—Would You Be Prepared for Retirement If You Saved That Much Every Year?

Core Insights - The IRS allows a maximum contribution of $7,500 to IRAs in 2026, with an additional $1,100 catch-up contribution for individuals aged 50 and older [2] - Two investment scenarios are analyzed: investing entirely in an S&P 500 index fund or a conservative 60/40 portfolio of equities and fixed-income assets [2][5] Investment Scenarios - Contributing $7,500 annually to an S&P 500 index fund from age 27 to 67 could result in approximately $1.38 million, assuming a historical inflation-adjusted annual return of 6.69% [3][4] - A conservative 60/40 portfolio would yield a significantly lower amount, just over $882,000, with an average annual return of 4.89% from 1901 to 2022 [3][6] Implications for Investors - Investing in an S&P 500 index fund offers the potential for higher returns compared to a conservative 60/40 portfolio, but it also comes with greater volatility [5] - The 60/40 portfolio, while more stable, results in a smaller retirement nest egg, highlighting the trade-off between risk and return [6]