What did SECURE Act 2.0 change about my 401(k)?
Retirement
SECURE 2.0 introduced auto-enrollment for new plans, raised RMD ages, created the 60-63 super catch-up, allowed 529-to-Roth rollovers, mandated Roth catch-ups for high earners, and added emergency savings provisions.
The headline changes
RMD age moved to 73 (75 by 2033). New plans must auto-enroll at 3-10%. Catch-up contributions for ages 60-63 jumped to $11,250. High earners ($145k+) must make catch-ups in Roth dollars.
The lesser-known provisions worth knowing
Up to $35,000 of unused 529 funds can roll to a Roth IRA in the beneficiary's name (with conditions). Employers can match student loan payments as 401(k) contributions. Emergency savings sidecars up to $2,500 are now allowed.
What you should actually do
Confirm whether your plan offers the new options. If you're 60-63, elect the super catch-up. If you have unused 529 money, plan the Roth rollover. If your employer offers student-loan-match, enroll.
What people often get wrong
- Assuming all of SECURE 2.0 is already automatic in your plan
- Missing the 529-to-Roth rollover window because of the 15-year account age requirement
- Ignoring the new Roth catch-up rule until December and being unable to fix payroll in time
What to think about next
- Ask HR which SECURE 2.0 provisions your plan has adopted.
- If you're between 60-63, elect the super catch-up.
- Review whether you qualify for the 529-to-Roth rollover.
When to consider working with a CFP®
Working with a CFP® can help when these decisions feel intertwined, taxes, investments, cash flow, and life goals tend to move together, and a planning relationship can offer structure, prioritization, and accountability over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the RMD age change?
Age 73 starting in 2023. It rises to 75 in 2033. If you turned 72 before 2023, the old rules still apply.
Talk to a CFP® who works with high earners.
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