Put some extra $ toward retirement if you can.

Now that we're almost halfway into the year, time to look at how much you've put away toward retirement. If you have access to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan, the most you can contribute during 2026 is $ 24,500, or $ 32,500 if you are 50 or older. Maximum Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contributions are $ 7500, or $ 8600 if you are 50 or older, and self-employed-IRA maximum is $ 72,000 (or the lower of approximately 18% of your business's net income). Putting these funds toward retirement on a pre-tax basis will save you federal and possibly state income taxes today and the funds will grow tax-deferred until you start making mandatory retirement withdrawals. Putting these funds toward retirement on a post-tax basis (also known as a Roth 401k or Roth IRA) will not save you any taxes today but the funds will grow tax-free. Now is the time to look at how much you've been contributing and adjust it if necessary - contributing the maximum amount should be your goal!