How America Saves 25th edition

Depth that drives decisions

Now for our next chapter. And yours.

Over 25 years, How America Saves has grown to become the most respected, anticipated, and widely cited research publication in the industry. And all it did, year after year, was deliver the deepest data and insights to help you build the strongest retirement plan possible for your participants.

After a quarter century, How America Saves continues to shape and define the retirement plan landscape—and we don’t see any reason to stop. We’re looking forward to what we can do together in the next 25 years.

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Dive deeper

Industry-specific benchmarking reports for stronger retirement plan design

Make smarter plan decisions with data you can act on. These benchmark reports show exactly how your plan compares with others in your industry—so you can pinpoint where to adjust your plan design, which can lead to better retirement outcomes for your participants. Don’t simply guess what works. Know what works.

Reports by industry

Small business edition

Ambulatory health care services

Architecture and engineering

Construction

Finance

Information

Insurance

Legal services

Manufacturing

Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Retail trade

Technology

Transportation and warehousing

Unions

Utilities

Wholesale trade

Benchmarking that goes the distance

The 401(k) trends in How America Saves have been influencing plan design for 25 years. Here are some milestone improvements:

86 %

Average overall plan participation grew to 86%.

Learn how we help make your plan a destination for retirement saving.

69 %

69% of participants are now in a professionally managed allocation.

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61 %

61% of plans have adopted automatic enrollment.

Learn how we offer a personalized financial wellness experience for your participants.

96 %

96% of plans now offer target-date funds.

Learn how we support financial wellness and fiduciary responsibility.

Source: How America Saves. Vanguard, 2026.

The story continues with How America Retires

Despite its widespread acclaim and deep data-based insights, How America Saves tells only part of the story. This November, discover the trends and behaviors of participants moving from saving to spending in How America Retires. Our annual report helps bring clarity to the complex decisions many retirees face while managing day-to-day finances in retirement. Look for more information soon. You won’t want to miss it.

See How America Retires 2025

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest.

Investments in target-date funds are subject to the risks of their underlying funds. The year in the fund name refers to the approximate year (the target date) when an investor in the fund would retire and leave the workforce. The fund will gradually shift its emphasis from more aggressive investments to more conservative ones based on its target date. An investment in target-date funds is not guaranteed at any time, including on or after the target date.

Advice services are provided by Vanguard Advisers, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Eligibility restrictions may apply.