Well, what do you know; we hit the bullseye.
In our highly publicized study last year, we conservatively estimated that the average 401(k) plan had fallen 25%, from $135k at the start of 2022 to $101k by the end of Q3. This was a result of high Bidenflation and the terrible stock market returns in 2022.
The latest Fidelity Investments report shows we were almost exactly on target: the average 401(k) ended Q3 with a balance of $97,200, falling from $130,700 at the start of the year, a drop of 26%.