401(k) Balances Reach Record High Amid Rising Hardship Withdrawals in 2025
The average Vanguard 401(k) balance surged to a historic $167,970 by the end of 2025, fueled by robust stock market performance and the widespread adoption of automated savings plans. The S&P 500 delivered a 16% return, while bonds ROSE 7%, rewarding long-term investors.
Beneath the surface, financial strain persisted. A record 6% of Vanguard participants took hardship withdrawals—triple the pre-pandemic rate—as layoffs spiked and credit card delinquencies hit a 13-year high. Automatic enrollment in retirement plans reached 79% among large employers, quietly bolstering savings rates even as economic headwinds grew.