PersonalCFO

401(k) Contribution Optimizer

Find the optimal 401(k) contribution for your situation. See how much employer match you’re leaving on the table, compare Traditional vs. Roth, and calculate your tax savings at every contribution level.

Your Details

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Limit: $24,500

Contribution & Employer Match

%
% of salary
%
e.g., 50% = $0.50 per $1.00 you contribute
%
Employer matches up to this % of salary

How to Optimize Your 401(k)

Step 1: Capture the full employer match.If your employer matches 50% up to 6% of salary, you need to contribute at least 6% to get the full match. Contributing less is leaving free money on the table — an instant 50% return.

Step 2: Traditional vs. Roth.Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income now — you pay taxes later in retirement. Roth contributions are after-tax but grow tax-free. Generally, choose Traditional if your current marginal rate is higher than you expect in retirement, and Roth if it’s lower.

2026 contribution limits:The employee limit is $24,500. If you’re 50 or older, you can add a $7,500 catch-up. Ages 60–63 get a super catch-up of $11,250 instead (SECURE 2.0).

Don’t forget the total limit. The combined employee + employer limit is $73,500 for 2026 ($81,000 with catch-up). Your employer match counts toward this limit, but not toward the $24,500 employee limit.