As you near retirement age, using catch-up contributions can help you speed up the growth of your Boeing 401(k). In this guide, we’ll look at what you should know to make the most of your retirement savings. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
Catch-up contributions are available to employees aged 50 and older.
Using catch-up contributions, eligible employees can invest an additional $8,000 into their Boeing 401(k) on top of the standard $24,500 limit.
Employees age 60–63 qualify for a higher catch-up limit of $11,250.
Employees who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages the previous year must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis.
Understanding Catch-Up Contributions
Catch-up contributions are additional investments that employees aged 50 or older can make in their 401(k) accounts. This is especially useful for Boeing employees who only started saving for retirement later in their career, though anyone can benefit from this opportunity. These contributions let you “catch up” on your Boeing 401(k) investments in the final years of your career, helping you kick your investment growth into overdrive as you prepare for retirement.
Boeing 401(k) Contribution Limits
For employees in 2026, the standard 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500 per year. Once you turn 50, you can make additional catch-up contributions on top of that standard limit.
Employees age 50–59 and 64+ can invest an additional $8,000, for a total of $32,500.
Employees age 60–63 get enhanced “super catch-up contributions” of $11,250, for a total of $35,750.
Your catch-up contribution limit is based on your age alone. If you are eligible to contribute to the Boeing 401(k), you can start making catch-up contributions at any point during the year you turn 50.
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Benefits of Catch-Up Contributions
1. Increased Retirement Savings
Catch-up contributions allow employees aged 50 and above to significantly boost their retirement savings. Over time, these additional contributions can substantially enhance the value of your retirement portfolio. If you start making catch-up contributions at age 50 and continue until age 65, you could accumulate tens of thousands (or possibly more) in additional savings depending on your investment returns.
2. Compound Interest
By contributing more to your 401(k) through catch-up contributions, you take full advantage of the power of compounding interest. Over time, the interest earned on your contributions can significantly increase the total value of your retirement savings.
3. Tax Advantages
Depending on the type of contributions (pre-tax or Roth), you can enjoy various tax benefits:
Pre-tax contributions: These reduce your taxable income now, lowering your current tax bill. This can be particularly beneficial for those in higher tax brackets, as the immediate tax savings can be significant.
Roth contributions: Made with after-tax dollars, these contributions grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free. This can be advantageous for those expecting to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
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The Secure 2.0 Act and 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions
As with standard contributions to the Boeing 401(k), catch-up contributions can be made on a pre-tax or Roth basis.
Pre-tax contributions are taken from your income before taxes are applied, reducing your taxable income for the current year. When you withdraw from your 401(k) in the future, those withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income.
Roth contributions are taken from your income after taxes are applied. This does not reduce your current taxable income, but qualified withdrawals in retirement will be tax-free.
However, starting in 2026, employees who earn more than $150,000 in FICA wages in 2025 are required to make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis. You can find your prior-year FICA wages in Box 3 of your Boeing W-2, labeled as ‘Social Security wages.’ If that figure exceeds $150,000, your catch-up contributions must be Roth, even if your standard 401(k) contributions are pre-tax.
If this applies to you, plan ahead to accommodate this change, and consider consulting with a fiduciary financial advisor to optimize your strategy.
How to Make Catch-Up Contributions to Your Boeing 401(k)
Log in to your Boeing 401(k) account through Fidelity NetBenefits.
Within NetBenefits, open your Boeing 401(k) contribution elections.
Select the catch-up contribution election and choose how much you want to contribute, up to your applicable catch-up limit. (If you are not already enrolled in the Boeing 401(k), now is the best time to sign up!)
Specify how you want your contributions to be deducted from your paycheck. If your 2025 FICA wages from Boeing exceeded $150,000, your 2026 catch-up contributions must be Roth.
Review your elections to make sure your regular contributions and catch-up contributions are set the way you intend.
Once you’re happy with your choices, submit your elections.
And that’s it! You’re ready to invest more in your retirement savings.
Get Help from TrueWealth!
Catch-up contributions can be a major help for anyone’s retirement planning. By taking advantage of these additional investments, you can significantly enhance your retirement savings during your peak earning years.
How about some help?
At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we give Boeing employees the personalized support they need to make the most of their finances. If you’re planning to retire soon, schedule a quick introductory call today, and we’ll be happy to help you in any way we can.
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Boeing Catch-Up Contributions FAQs
How much can I contribute as a catch-up contribution in 2026?
In 2026, if you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $8,000 as catch-up contributions on top of the standard $24,500 limit for 401(k) plans. This means the total contribution limit for eligible employees is $32,500.
If you are 60 through 63, you can make enhanced catch-up contributions up to $11,250. This brings the total limit to $35,750.
Am I eligible for catch-up contributions at Boeing?
If you are 50 years or older and eligible for the Boeing 401(k), you are eligible for catch-up contributions at Boeing.
Does Boeing match catch-up contributions?
No, catch-up contributions do not qualify for the Boeing employer match. However, investing beyond the standard limit will still allow you to grow your wealth through further investments and compound growth.
Can I change my catch-up contribution amount during the year?
Yes, you can adjust your catch-up contribution amount at any time during the year. This flexibility allows you to modify your contributions based on changes in your financial situation or retirement goals.
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