After a rollercoaster 2025 marked by tariff repercussions, confusing inflation signals and market ups and downs, retirement savers have learned that the smartest move isn’t to start over each year, but to build on what works.
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Financial planners say several of last year’s most effective strategies remain powerful ways to protect and grow your nest egg in 2026. Here are several of the most effective retirement planning moves to take into the new year.
In 2025 and 2026, Roth IRA strategies will continue to be useful, according to Christopher Stroup, CFP and owner of Silicon Beach Financial. “Many of our clients saw success by automating Roth conversions during market dips in 2025.”
This move locked in future tax-free growth at temporarily lower valuations, he explained. “Continuing this strategy in 2026 can smooth out taxable income over time, reduce future required minimum distributions (RMDs) and maximize after-tax wealth in retirement.”
If a Roth conversion or rollover is on the table, don’t wait, however, Stroup warned; rule changes may limit backdoor Roth options.
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People ages 50 and older can make catch-up contributions of an additional $7,500 to 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan, a great opportunity to benefit from the tax advantages of these plans, Stroup noted. Using those higher limits before 2026 threshold changes can deliver immediate tax savings and long-term compounding.
Another strategy for those who are close to retirement is to delay Social Security to get the maximum amount (at age 70), which can make a surprising difference to your retirement income. Though you want to be sure not to bump yourself into a higher tax bracket than you’re prepared for.
“Going into 2026, coordinate your claiming strategy with expected income and tax thresholds to avoid IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges and ensure you’re optimizing every dollar of benefit,” Stroup said.
Running projections with a financial planner can help you decide whether to delay, split or accelerate claims for the best long-term outcome.
Smart investors reviewed and rebalanced their portfolios in 2025, making any necessary allocation changes for a well-diversified portfolio, according to David Kanani, president of Kanani Advisory Group.