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High Earners, Catch-Up Contributions, and Smarter New-Year Moves

High Earners, Catch-Up Contributions, and Smarter New-Year Moves

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 As the calendar turns to 2026, Bill and Andy Bush kick off the new year by breaking down key changes affecting higher-income 401(k) participants—most notably the new SECURE 2.0 rules requiring Roth catch-up contributions for certain earners. They unpack who the rules apply to, how they intersect with other income thresholds, and why many six-figure earners still feel behind despite strong incomes. Along the way, the brothers share practical New Year's resolutions that actually move the needle: optimizing (not just maxing) your 401(k), improving tax efficiency, managing emotions, reducing complexity, and defining what "enough" really means so your money supports both your future and your life today. ⏱ Episode Timeline & Key Topics 00:08 – Welcome & Happy New Year Bill and Andy kick off the first episode of 2026, reflecting on the new year and why this episode revisits financial "reset" themes—especially for higher-income participants. 00:45 – Why This Episode Matters Right Now The brothers recap last year's New Year–focused episode and explain why 2026 brings new wrinkles in the 401(k) world that deserve attention. 01:15 – SECURE 2.0 Roth Catch-Up Rule Explained Introduction of the new rule requiring Roth catch-up contributions for certain high earners: Age 50+Prior-year wages of $150,000+Catch-up contributions must be Roth (after-tax) 02:30 – Who Is (and Isn't) Subject to the Rule Clarification on: W-2 wages (Box 3)Why K-1 partners without W-2 income are exemptCatch-ups are still allowed—just not required to be Roth for exempt participants 03:45 – Implementation Challenges & Plan Decisions Discussion on delayed rollout, transition relief, and why some plans chose to eliminate catch-ups rather than add Roth complexity. 04:10 – Super Catch-Up Contributions (Ages 60–63) Overview of the enhanced "super catch-up": $11,250 limit for ages 60–63What happens when you turn 64Why planning matters during this short window 04:55 – Three Different "High Income" Definitions Breaking down commonly confused thresholds: $150,000 (Roth catch-up rule)$160,000 (Highly Compensated Employee testing)$184,500 (Social Security wage base for 2026) 05:45 – Six-Figure Earners Living Paycheck to Paycheck Why many high earners still feel financially stretched—and how lifestyle expansion plays a major role. 06:45 – Spending vs. Saving: The Real Challenge Why high earners often save well—but still struggle: Lifestyle creepComplex financial livesIncome replacement challenges in retirement 08:15 – Roth Trade-Offs for High Earners Pros and cons of being "forced" into Roth catch-ups: Paying taxes now vs. laterShort vs. long runwaysImpact on retirement income planning 09:50 – Retirement Tax Planning & IRMAA Considerations How different account types affect: Medicare IRMAA surchargesTaxable income in retirementWithdrawal flexibility 10:40 – Why HSAs Deserve Special Attention HSAs as one of the most tax-efficient retirement tools—especially for those uncomfortable with Roth catch-ups. 11:30 – Roth vs. Taxable Brokerage Accounts Why Roth accounts offer long-term advantages over taxable investing for money you don't need immediately. 12:30 – Using Roth Assets Strategically Real-world examples: Large one-time expenses in retirementLegacy planning for heirsFlexibility when income spikes matter 🎯 Financial New Year's Resolutions for High Earners 13:30 – Optimize Your 401(k), Don't Just Max It Why alignment matters more than simply hitting contribution limits. 14:30 – "Above the Corn Stalks" Perspective Bill's analogy for stepping back, gaining clarity, and checking direction—not just reacting to day-to-day financial noise. 15:10 – Small Adjustments, Big Impact Using plan tools, reviewing statements, and making incremental changes that compound over time. 15:55 – 1% Improvements vs. Working Longer Why small efficiency gains may—or may not—outperform delaying retirement, depending on your goals. 16:40 – Keep Emotions Out of Investing Why larger account balances amplify emotional reactions—and how long-term discipline matters more than headlines. 17:55 – Time Horizon Is the Anchor Planning for potentially decades-long retirements and staying focused on the "North Star." 18:25 – Reduce Financial Complexity Why consolidating old accounts: Simplifies decision-makingReduces feesBrings peace of mind 19:50 – Defining "Enough" A candid discussion on shifting goalposts, relationships, and balancing financial ambition with life satisfaction. ✅ January Checklist for Participants 21:00 – Review Beneficiaries Especially important after plan recordkeeper changes—designations may not transfer. 21:40 – Update Contribution Elections for 2026 Key limits: Deferral limit: $24,500Catch-up (50+): $8,000Super catch-up (60–63): $11,250Roth catch-up rules for high earners 22:55 – Review Investment Allocation Confirm your risk level still matches your time horizon and comfort ...
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