Life is full of “what ifs” that can take a bite out of your retirement portfolio, like changes in the economy, losing a job or a downturn in health. Knowing this, we’ve put together a short—but impactful—list of opportunities that could help you maximize your retirement savings. Best of all you can start some of these right now.

Max out your retirement contributions

Retirement accounts are one of the most powerful tools you have to grow your wealth. And in 2026, the IRS has increased contribution limits—giving you even more room to build your nest egg.

Here’s what’s new for 2026:

• 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans: Up to $24,500
• Catch-up contributions (age 50+): Up to $8,000
• Super catch-up (ages 60–63): Up to $11,250
• IRA contributions: $7,500 plus $1,100 if you’re 50 or older

Why this could benefit you: Higher limits mean more tax advantages and more opportunities to invest in your future. Even small increases each year can make a meaningful difference thanks to compounding growth. When your money earns money, you smile.

Bankoh Advisor tip: Automate your contributions. It’s an easy way to stay consistent—and chances are, you may not even notice the difference in your paycheck.

Diversify beyond stocks and bonds

A strong portfolio is like a strong canoe: it glides best when the weight is balanced. While stocks and bonds are the foundation of many portfolios, adding other asset types can help steady your financial journey during market ups and downs.

Here are a few ways you might broaden your investment mix:

• Dynamic asset allocation: This adjusts your exposure to different asset classes as markets shift.
• Private market opportunities: Includes private equity and private credit—often used by long-term investors seeking additional growth potential.
• Real assets: Such as gold, commodities, or infrastructure—helpful for hedging against inflation.

Why this could benefit you: Diversification helps spread risk, so your portfolio doesn’t depend on a single source of return.

Bankoh Advisor tip: Check your portfolio annually to ensure your investments reflect both market conditions and your goals.

Leverage Roth opportunities

Beginning in 2026, employees aged 50 or older who earned more than $150,000 in prior-year wages from their employer must make any catch-up contributions to an employer retirement plan on a Roth (after-tax) basis.

Why this matters: Roth accounts allow your money to grow tax-free—and withdrawals in retirement are tax-free too, if certain parameters are met. This can be especially helpful if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later.

Bankoh Advisor tip: Chat with your advisor about whether Roth contributions fit your tax strategy. You may benefit by blending traditional and Roth savings to create future flexibility.

Factor in Social Security

Social Security benefits will rise by 2.8 percent in 2026, adding about $56 per month for the average retiree.

Why this matters: While the increase helps, Social Security isn’t designed to cover every expense—especially with rising healthcare and housing costs in island communities. Your personal savings and investments remain essential to achieving the lifestyle you want.

Bankoh Advisor tip: Integrate the timing of your Social Security benefits into your overall retirement plans to avoid taking it too early—or too late.

Ready to take control of your retirement?

Information, information, information. When it comes to retirement planning, you want to know your options and the reasons behind them. Bankoh Advisors offers national-caliber advisors with local insight. We approach financial planning holistically, utilizing an array of financial tools to help you reach your personal, family and generational goals. If you’d like to explore ways to maximize your retirement income, schedule a private consultation today.

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Individuals affiliated with Cetera firms are either Registered Representatives who offer only brokerage services and receive transaction-based compensation (commissions), Investment Adviser Representatives who offer only investment advisory services and receive fees based on assets, or both Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives, who can offer both types of services. 130 Merchant Street CC888 Honolulu, HI 96813. 808-694-8500