The Smartest Way To Max Out Your IRA in 2026

Group 1: Retirement Account Updates - The IRS has updated retirement account rules for 2026, allowing savers under 50 to contribute up to $7,500 to Individual Retirement Accounts, an increase from $7,000 in 2025 [1] - Individuals aged 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,100 in "catch-up" funds, which is a $100 increase over the previous year [1] Group 2: Contribution Strategies - CNBC outlines two options for maximizing contributions: making a lump sum contribution as soon as possible or using dollar-cost averaging [2] - Dollar-cost averaging involves making regular investments of equal amounts regardless of market conditions, which can help mitigate risks associated with market volatility [3] Group 3: Market Volatility - The stock market experienced significant volatility in 2025, with the S&P 500 index facing its fifth-largest two-day decline in 75 years during the first week of April [4] - Such market fluctuations can impact the value of investments in IRAs, particularly for those who choose to invest in stocks and investment funds, which have higher growth potential [5] Group 4: Investment Impact - A lump sum investment made in January could be adversely affected by market drops, as seen in April, whereas dollar-cost averaging would limit exposure to such declines [6] - Dollar-cost averaging also provides predictability in investment amounts, aiding in budgeting and cash flow management [7]