The 2026 Retirement Checklist: What to Do If You're Over 55

Behind on retirement savings at 55, 60 or older? You're far from alone. In the Federal Reserve's newest survey, only about 55% of American families have any retirement account at all. Here's where people your age really stand, and five steps you can still take this year. In this video: retirement savings by age (median vs. average), how to find your real number, the 2026 catch-up contributions ($8,000 at 50+, $11,250 at ages 60–63, IRA +$1,100, H-S-A +$1,000 at 55), the new Saver's Match starting in 2027, when to claim Social Security, working longer on your terms, and shrinking your biggest costs. CHAPTERS 0:00 Retirement savings by age: are you behind? 1:16 Where you really stand 6:14 Step 1: Know your real number 9:05 Step 2: Use the catch-up rules 14:52 Step 3: Social Security timing 18:18 Step 4: Work longer, your way 22:28 Step 5: Shrink the big costs 27:01 Your catch-up checklist