Core Insights - The significance of retirement accounts, particularly 401(k)s, is highlighted as they are crucial for family financial stability and future retirement security [2] Group 1: Importance of Retirement Accounts - More than half (54.3%) of working-age American families possess a retirement account, with a median value of $86,900 [1][2] - Assets in IRAs and defined contribution plans are key components of family balance sheets and future retirement security [2] Group 2: Growth of Forgotten 401(k)s - Forgotten 401(k) accounts have surpassed $2 trillion in assets for the first time, indicating a significant issue in retirement savings management [3] - As of July 2025, there are an estimated 31.9 million forgotten accounts, nearly double the 18.3 million from 2015 [4] - The average balance in a forgotten 401(k) account has increased by 18% since May 2023, reaching $66,691 [4] Group 3: Thrift Savings Plans (TSP) - There are over 7.2 million TSP plan participants with an average balance of $134,633, totaling just over $1 trillion in the program [5] - An estimated 3 million TSP accounts are expected to be left behind by the end of 2025, with potential increases due to federal civil service cuts [6] Group 4: Factors Contributing to Forgotten Accounts - The trend of forgotten 401(k)s is attributed to increased participation in 401(k) plans, high job switching rates, and confusion regarding account management after leaving jobs [6]