Comprehensive study highlights the need for improved plan design and participant support to help with retirement security 12NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management today released its "Retirement by the Numbers" report, revealing that anonymized Chase household data showed that 48% of plan participants carry credit card debt, which increases their likelihood of taking a loan from their retirement plan. High credit card balances are also associated with lower contribution rates a ...

Group 1 - The importance of contributing to a 401(k) for a financially stable retirement is emphasized, highlighting that many individuals rely solely on Social Security, which may not be sufficient [1] - Avoiding common mistakes in 401(k) plans is crucial for maximizing retirement savings, particularly in 2026 [2] Group 2 - Not claiming the full workplace match is a significant mistake; for example, if an employer offers $3,000 in matching dollars and an employee only contributes $2,000, they forfeit $1,000, which could grow substantially over time [3][4] - An investment of $1,000 today at an 8% annual return could potentially grow to nearly $22,000 in 40 years, underscoring the long-term benefits of maximizing employer contributions [5] Group 3 - Ignoring investment fees in 401(k) plans can lead to reduced returns; high fees associated with certain funds, such as target date funds, can significantly impact overall investment performance [6][8]