Maximizing Your Google 401(k) with Catch-Up Contributions
If you're a Google employee approaching or past age 50, you have access to a powerful tool that many overlook: catch-up contributions. These allow you to supercharge your retirement savings while your earnings are likely at their peak. In this guide, we'll explore how you can use catch-up contributions to get more out of your 401(k).
Key Takeaways
In 2026, employees age 50 and older can contribute an additional $8,000 to their Google 401(k) beyond the standard limits.
For employees age 60–63, this is increased to $11,250.
Starting in 2026, higher earners who made over $150,000 in 2025 must make catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions.
Google's employer match does not apply to catch-up contributions.
What Are Catch-Up Contributions?
Catch-up contributions increase the amount of money that employees over 50 can contribute to their 401(k). This lets workers accelerate their savings in the final years of their career, when their earnings are typically at their peak. For a high-earning Google employee, this provides a golden opportunity to boost your savings as you near retirement.
2026 Contribution Limits for Google Employees
For 2026, the IRS has raised contribution limits for all 401(k)s, including Google’s plan.
Standard Employee Contributions
The base 401(k) contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500. This applies to all employees under 50, and covers both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth contributions.
Catch-Up Contributions
Once you reach age 50, you can contribute an additional $8,000 beyond the base limit, bringing your total potential employee contribution to $32,500 for the year.
Super Catch-Up Contributions
In 2022, the Secure 2.0 Act introduced an enhanced catch-up provision for employees in their early 60s. If you're between ages 60 and 63, you can contribute an extra $11,250 instead of the standard $8,000 catch-up amount. This brings your total potential contribution to $35,750 annually. Once you reach age 64, you return to the standard catch-up limit.
Total Plan Limit
The overall 401(k) plan limit for 2026 is $72,000. This includes:
Your contributions
Google’s matching contributions
Additional after-tax contributions that can be converted through the mega backdoor Roth program
Catch-up contributions are not included in this total plan limit. This means that for employees 50 and older, the limit is effectively $80,000 ($72,000 + $8,000). For employees, that goes up to $83,500.
Eligibility Requirements
Almost all Google employees are eligible for catch-up contributions. All that’s required is that you will be at least 50 years old by December 31 of the contribution year. For the enhanced super catch-up provision, you must be age 60, 61, 62, or 63 by year-end. This applies to any active Google employee participating in the company's 401(k) plan through Vanguard.
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Why Catch-Up Contributions Matter
1. Accelerated Wealth Building
The difference between standard and catch-up contributions adds up significantly over time. Consider this scenario: A 50-year-old Google employee who maximizes catch-up contributions from age 50 to 65 will contribute an additional $120,000 to their retirement savings (15 years × $8,000). For employees age 60–63, super catch-up contributions add an extra $13,000 over four years on top of that.
And that’s before even factoring in investment returns. Assuming a modest 6% average annual return, that additional principal could grow to approximately $198,000 by retirement. As you near retirement, this is a great way to increase your savings as you prepare for the years ahead.
2. Capturing Peak Earnings
If you’re like most Google employees, your 50s and early 60s represent your highest earning years. Between senior-level base salaries, substantial bonuses, and GSU vesting, your income is likely at or near its peak. Catch-up contributions let you convert this high income directly into retirement savings.
3. Compensating for Lost Time
Life can get in the way of your savings. Maybe you prioritized other financial goals earlier in your career, took time off for family responsibilities, or started your professional journey later than most. Catch-up contributions provide a mechanism to strengthen your retirement position even if you didn't maximize savings in earlier decades.
4. Complementing Other Google Benefits
Catch-up contributions give you more flexibility with Google's other retirement benefits:
Building up your 401(k) means you don't have to rely solely on Google stock for retirement, reducing your risk if the stock underperforms.
Boosting your retirement savings can give you more flexibility about when and how you use your health savings account (HSA), rather than forcing early withdrawals.
You can direct your Google bonuses toward catch-up contributions, putting windfalls to work immediately for retirement rather than letting them sit in a checking account.
This balanced approach helps you take full advantage of Google's benefits.
The 2026 Roth Catch-Up Mandate for Higher Earners
Starting in 2026, a significant change will affect many Google employees. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages during 2025 must make all catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions.
The determination is based on your Box 3 W-2 wages from the previous calendar year. If your 2025 W-2 shows wages exceeding $150,000, any catch-up contributions you make in 2026 must go into a Roth account.
This affects only catch-up contributions. You can still make your base $24,500 contribution as either pre-tax or Roth (or a combination). However, the additional $8,000 (or $11,250 for ages 60–63) must be designated as Roth if you exceeded the income threshold.
How to Set Up Catch-Up Contributions
Vanguard’s platform makes it easy to add catch-up contributions to your Google 401(k).
Log into your account at Vanguard's website or through their mobile app.
Once logged in, locate the section for managing your contribution elections. This is typically found under "My Account" or "Plan Information."
Specify the percentage of your salary you want to contribute. You'll need to calculate what percentage will get you to your desired contribution level, including catch-up amounts.
Choose how you want your contributions allocated between pre-tax and Roth accounts. Remember: if you earned over $150,000 in 2025, your catch-up portion must be Roth for 2026.
Vanguard's system automatically tracks whether you've reached the base contribution limit and will begin treating additional contributions as catch-up contributions once you hit $24,500. However, monitor your contributions over time, especially if you receive bonuses or have variable compensation that could affect the amounts you contribute.
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Kick Your Savings into Overdrive with Catch-Up Contributions
Catch-up contributions are your secret weapon to boost your retirement savings as you approach retirement. However, as with all retirement planning, this can get complicated fast. A little help can go a long way.
At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we specialize in helping you make a smooth transition into retirement. We can help you:
Calculate the right contribution amounts based on your finances
Coordinate 401(k) strategies with GSU management and tax planning
Model different scenarios to understand long-term outcomes
Implement and monitor contribution strategies throughout the year
Adjust plans to make sure you’re always on track for your goals
Schedule a free introductory call today, and we'll be happy to help you in any way we can. Let’s talk!
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FAQs
When can I start making catch-up contributions at Google?
You become eligible to make catch-up contributions during the calendar year in which you turn 50. You don't need to wait until your actual birthday. For example, if your birthday is in November 2026, you can begin making catch-up contributions on January 1, 2026.
Do catch-up contributions receive Google's matching contribution?
Google's employer match only applies to your base contributions up to the annual limit ($24,500 for 2026). Catch-up contributions above this amount do not receive matching funds.
I'm turning 60 in 2026. Can I use the super catch-up contribution immediately?
You can! As long as you turn 60 during the 2026 calendar year, you're eligible for the enhanced $11,250 catch-up contribution for the entire year, even if your birthday falls late in the year.
Can I make catch-up contributions if I'm no longer working but still at Google?
Catch-up contributions must come from payroll deductions, so you need to be actively receiving paychecks from Google. If you're on an extended unpaid leave, you generally cannot make contributions during that period.
Can I split my catch-up contributions between pre-tax and Roth?
This depends on your income. If you earned under $150,000 in the prior year, you can split your catch-up contributions however you wish between pre-tax and Roth. If you earned over $150,000 in the prior year, all catch-up contributions must be Roth.
I'm 63 and will turn 64 next year. What happens to my catch-up contributions?
You'll enjoy the enhanced super catch-up ($11,250) for this year while you're 63. Next year, when you turn 64, you'll return to the standard catch-up amount (projected to be around $8,000-8,500 depending on inflation adjustments). Plan accordingly to maximize your contributions during this four-year super catch-up window.
What happens to my catch-up contributions if I leave Google?
Your catch-up contributions belong to you immediately, just like all employee contributions. When you leave Google, you can roll over your entire 401(k) balance (including all contributions and employer matches) to a new employer's plan, to an IRA, or leave it in Google's plan if the balance exceeds $7,000.