401(k) Balances Are Up — So Why Are Americans Cashing Out?

Retirement account balances are rising — but so are withdrawals. New data from Fidelity shows the average 401(k) balance climbed more than 11% in 2025 as the stock market posted another strong year. But at the same time, a growing number of Americans are tapping their retirement savings early. Hardship withdrawals and 401(k) loans both increased last year, signaling that many households are still feeling financial pressure despite market gains. In this episode of Real Estate News for Investors, Kathy Fettke breaks down the latest retirement savings data and what it reveals about the financial health of American workers. She also explains why relying on stock market retirement accounts alone may leave investors vulnerable during periods of economic stress. For many investors, income-producing real estate offers a different approach to building long-term wealth — providing potential cash flow, inflation protection, and the ability to hold a hard asset that can appreciate over time. Learn what the latest 401(k) trends mean for retirement security — and why diversification may matter more than ever. 📈🏡 Want to learn more about investing in real estate? Just visit www.Realwealth.com/Deals to learn more.  Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/04/retirement-balances-hardship-withdrawals.html