401k plan research

401(k) Database

In an ongoing collaborative effort, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and the Investment Company Institute (ICI) collect annual data on millions of 401(k) plan participants as a means to examine how these participants manage their 401(k) plan accounts. The EBRI/ICI Participant-Directed Retirement Plan Data Collection Project is the largest, most representative repository of information about individual 401(k) plan participant accounts. The EBRI/ICI database includes statistical information about:

• 12.3 million 401(k) plan participants, in
• 86,630 employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, holding
• $0.9 trillion in assets.
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2022 EBRI Issue Brief April 30, 2024 32 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2020 EBRI Issue Brief Nov 29, 2022 32 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2019 EBRI Issue Brief May 3, 2022 33 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2018 EBRI Issue Brief March 4, 2021 36 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2016 EBRI Issue Brief Sept 10, 2018 56 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2015 EBRI Issue Brief Aug 3, 2017 60 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2014 EBRI Issue Brief Apr 28, 2016 80 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2013 EBRI Issue Brief Dec 18, 2014 56 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2012 EBRI Issue Brief Dec 23, 2013 52 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2011 EBRI Issue Brief Dec 20, 2012 56 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity In 2010 EBRI Issue Brief Dec 21, 2011 52 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2009 EBRI Issue Brief Nov 22, 2010 68 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2008 EBRI Issue Brief Oct 6, 2009 68 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2007 EBRI Issue Brief Dec 18, 2008 52 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2006 EBRI Issue Brief Aug 1, 2007 40 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2005 EBRI Issue Brief Aug 24, 2006 20 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2004 EBRI Issue Brief Sep 28, 2005 20 pages Summary Full Content (Members Only )
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2003 EBRI Issue Brief Aug 1, 2004 24 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2002 EBRI Issue Brief Sep 1, 2003 41 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation, Account Balances, and Loan Activity in 2001 EBRI Issue Brief Mar 1, 2003 51 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances and Asset Allocations, 2016–2022 EBRI Issue Brief Aug 27, 2024 25 pages Summary Full Content
• Changes in 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation Among Consistent Participants, 2016–2020 EBRI Issue Brief Oct 25, 2023 12 pages Summary Full Content
• How 401(k) Plan Participants Use Loans Over Time: An Analysis of Loan Activity of Consistent 401(k) Plan Participants, 2016–2020 EBRI Issue Brief Sept 12, 2023 24 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances, 2016–2020 EBRI Issue Brief March 23, 2023 19 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances, 2010–2019 EBRI Issue Brief June 30, 2022 18 pages Summary Full Content
• Changes in 401(k) Plan Asset Allocation Among Consistent Participants, 2010–2018 EBRI Issue Brief Oct 14, 2021 13 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances, 2010–2018 EBRI Issue Brief Oct 1, 2020 19 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances, 2010–2016 EBRI Issue Brief Nov 6, 2018 21 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances, 2010–2015 EBRI Issue Brief Oct 24, 2017 24 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Plan Account Balances, 2010–2014 EBRI Issue Brief Sep 8, 2016 28 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Account Balances, 2007–2013 EBRI Issue Brief Sep 15, 2015 28 pages Summary Full Content
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? Changes in 401(k) Account Balances, 2007–2012 EBRI Issue Brief Jul 31, 2014 28 pages Summary Full Content
• 401(k) Participants in the Wake of the Financial Crisis: Changes in Account Balances, 2007–2011 EBRI Issue Brief Oct 17, 2013 20 pages Summary Full Content (Members Only )
• What Does Consistent Participation in 401(k) Plans Generate? EBRI Issue Brief Jul 14, 2009 16 pages Summary Full Content
• Target Date Funds: Evidence Points to Growing Popularity and Appropriate Use by 401(k) Plan Participants EBRI Issue Brief Sept 9, 2021 21 pages Summary Full Content
• The Influence of Automatic Enrollment, Catch-Up, and IRA Contributions on 401(k) Accumulations at Retirement EBRI Issue Brief Jul 13, 2005 28 pages Summary Full Content
• Can 401(k) Accumulations Generate Significant Income for Future Retirees? EBRI Issue Brief Nov 1, 2002 28 pages Summary Full Content (Members Only )
• Contribution Behavior of 401(k) Plan Participants EBRI Issue Brief Oct 1, 2001 20 pages Summary Full Content

Revolutionizing Retirement

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What Is the Real Revenue Cost of Retirement Tax Incentives?

Source: Psca.org, December 2024

What the Crystal Ball Says for 2025 Retirement Industry Trends

Source: Napa-net.org, December 2024

CAPTRUST's 2025 Retirement Plan Industry Predictions

Source: Captrust.com, December 2024

401k Plans, 2025, and the 401k Plan Sponsor

Source: Jdsupra.com, December 2024

Half of Women Retirees Say Retirement Is Pricier Than They Expected

Source: Hrdive.com, December 2024

Crypto Investments and Your 401k: What's Being Done to Protect Your Retirement Savings?

Source: Gao.gov, December 2024

2025 Is Right Around the Corner: What's Lurking There for You?

Source: Ferenczylaw.com, December 2024

34% of Gen Z Canadians Relying on Inheritance to Meet Retirement Goals: Survey

Source: Benefitscanada.com, December 2024

Retirement Industry Trends to Look Out for in 2025

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, December 2024

TIAA Survey Sees Growing Demand for Lifetime Income in Retirement Plans

Source: Prnewswire.com, December 2024

The Role of Behavioral Finance in Retirement Plan Participation

Source: Planpilot.com, December 2024

Rothification, AI Advancements Among Expected Retirement Plan Trends for 2025

Source: Plansponsor.com, December 2024

Annual Outlook Projects Compliance, Due Diligence, Well-Being Will Be Essential to Plan Success in 2025

Source: Planadviser.com, December 2024

DC Advisers Interested in Retirement Income Solutions, but Still Hesitant

401k plans: industry data show low participant use of crypto assets although dol's data limitations persist, debt is limiting american retirement savings.

Source: Allianzlife.com, December 2024

Spending Retirement Savings is Keeping Americans Up at Night

Source: Prnewswire.com, November 2024

Advisor Insights: Navigating Retirement Income

Source: Blackrock.com, November 2024

Securing Retirement: 2025 Trends in DC Retirement Income Solutions

Source: Plansponsor.com, November 2024

Principal's Houston Says Recordkeepers Must Go Beyond Scale, Innovate to Expand Service

Source: Planadviser.com, November 2024

How to Establish Better Decumulation Options for Future DC Plans

2024 defined contribution consultant study.

Source: Troweprice.com, November 2024

One in Three Guilty of Overspending in Retirement: EBRI

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, November 2024

Plan Design, Flexibility Outpace Employer Contributions Among Plan Sponsors' Priorities

Difficult work pushes more blacks into early retirement.

Source: Bc.edu, November 2024

Americans Lack Plans for Retirement Income

Source: Allianzlife.com, October 2024

24 Facts That Illuminate Women's Precarious Retirement Prospects

Source: Prnewswire.com, October 2024

Plan Sponsors Show Rising Interest for Consultancy Services

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, October 2024

Half of New Retirement Plan Adopters Opt for Pooled Plans

More than 6 in 10 retire earlier than expected: john hancock, 4 in 10 taking early 401k withdrawals; 2 in 3 not paying it back, three ways financial guidance adds value for 401k plan participants and employers, 401k student loan match perk hindered by employer hesitation.

Source: Wagnerlawgroup.com, October 2024

American Voices: Public Policy Priorities for Retirement Security

Source: Transamericainstitute.org, October 2024

Exploring the Benefits of Streamlining Retirement Plan Providers

Source: Conradsiegel.com, September 2024

Guide for Retirement Plans: Transitioning from Balance Forward to Daily Recordkeeping

The rise of collective investment trusts, alight solutions 401k index: august 2024 observations.

Source: Alight.com, September 2024

More Than Half of Plan Advisers Expect to Use AI

Source: Planadviser.com, September 2024

It's Time to Rethink Retirement, Says T. Rowe Price

2025's tax sunset and dc plans, erisa at 50: no midlife crisis for erisa preemption.

Source: Ebri.org, September 2024

Six Reasons to Consider Retirement Income

Source: Blackrock.com, September 2024

Read on Retirement: Advisor Perspective

"retirement crisis" debunked - facts versus factoids, part ii.

Source: Asppa-net.org, September 2024

Tips for Recordkeepers to Stay Competitive in a Changing Market

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, September 2024

Despite Economic Challenges, Nearly Two-Thirds of Employees Feel on Track for Retirement

Source: Nationwide.com, September 2024

Still Work to Do on Retirement Plan Digital Experiences, Study Suggests

Source: Napa-net.org, September 2024

What are the Most Significant ERISA Developments Affecting Retirement Plans?

U.s. needs "hybrid" retirement plan system: report, student loan match: repay student loans and save for retirement.

Source: Groom.com, September 2024

Passive Products Widen Lead on Active in DC Managed Assets

Source: Planadviser.com, August 2024

Investors Like Annuities in 401ks, for Other People

Source: Investmentnews.com, August 2024

401k Plan Participants Continue to Benefit From Employer Contributions and Falling Fees: Report

Source: Ici.org, August 2024

Survey Finds U.S. Employees' Average Retirement Savings Decreases in 2024

Source: Benefitscanada.com, August 2024

Is the Retirement Picture for Millennials Looking Better?

Source: Bc.edu, August 2024

Media's Role in Creating Retirement, Investing Stress

Why are employees not participating in their 401ks.

Source: Principal.com, August 2024

Plan Sponsor Satisfaction Driven by Advisor Services Beyond the 401k: Report

Source: Napa-net.org, August 2024

Why Do Employers Establish Retirement Savings Plans? Evidence From State "Auto-IRA" Plans

Source: Nber.org, August 2024

The Average 401k Balance by Age

Source: Bankrate.com, August 2024

Americans Expect Inheritance to Fund Portion of Retirement

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, August 2024

Participant Pulse: Tracking the Financial Wellness of Plan Participants

Source: Bofa.com, August 2024

Americans' Retirement Savings Show Real Progress

A mandate to offer: the future path forward for expanding access to retirement savings.

Source: Georgetown.edu, August 2024

2024 Fast Facts on 401k Plans

Source: Americanbenefitscouncil.org, August 2024

401k Participation Significantly Lowers Risk of Retirement Shortfalls: Morningstar

Dc lens 3rd quater 2024: dc market insights and dc news update.

Source: Schroders.com, July 2024

Workers Expect 401k to be Main Source of Retirement Income

Source: Planadviser.com, July 2024

More 401k Investors "Very Likely" to Reach Retirement Goals, Says Schwab

Source: Investmentnews.com, July 2024

Small Business "Bullishness" Helping to Drive 401k Growth

401k mutual fund fees have fallen dramatically since 2000.

Source: 401kspecialistmag.com, July 2024

401k Investors Benefit as Mutual Fund Fees Cut in Half

Source: Ici.org, July 2024

Lies and Statistics -- What the 401k Data Actually Says: Podcast

Source: Asppa.org, July 2024

Making 401k Saving Hard to Avoid: Podcast

Design options: building strong retirement plans.

Source: Plansponsor.com, July 2024

Technology Integration "Linchpin" for In-Plan Retirement Income

2024 living in retirement report, 2024 us retirement readiness report, are there "hidden costs" in pension-to-401k shift, fidelity reveals top five optional provisions plan sponsors are most likely to adopt.

Source: Planadviser.com, June 2024

SECURE 2.0 Optional Provisions Survey Insights

Source: Fidelityworkplace.com, June 2024

Plaintiff Lawyers Can Now Use AI to Identify Potential Plan Issues

The growing trend of collective investment trusts.

Source: Fiducientadvisors.com, June 2024

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