Workers tapping 401(k) savings at record rate
Mar 5th 2026
Hardship withdrawals rose for the sixth straight year as 6% of Vanguard plan participants tapped retirement savings, even while average account balances hit a record near $168,000 and more workers boosted contributions.
- Vanguard reports 6% of workers in its 401(k) plans used hardship withdrawals last year, up from about 2% before the pandemic.