UBS On-Air: Market Moves Top of the Morning: 2026 Roth catch-up explained
Jan 21, 2026
Join retirement experts Justin Waring and Ainsley Carbone as they unveil key changes in retirement savings set for 2026 under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Justin explains how high earners will need to make Roth catch-up contributions, ensuring taxes are paid upfront. Ainsley contrasts the benefits of Roth versus pre-tax options, emphasizing the importance of tax diversification. They also discuss strategic planning techniques, including timing distributions and making intentional catch-up choices, to navigate this new landscape effectively.
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Why Catch-Up Contributions Exist
- Catch-up contributions help people who delayed savings boost retirement balances later in their careers.
- Ainsley Carbone explains these are meant for peak earning years when earlier priorities limited saving.
Check Employer Roth Availability
- If your prior-year wages at your current employer exceeded $150,000, plan to make catch-up contributions as Roth in 2026.
- Check whether your employer's plan offers a Roth option, because you may be unable to make catch-ups until it does.
Tax Timing Shift Improves Flexibility
- Mandatory Roth catch-ups shift tax timing by forcing payment now rather than later for certain high earners.
- Ainsley Carbone notes adding Roth dollars can improve tax diversification and flexibility in retirement.