Fidelity Investments rececently reported the average balance of all the plans they administer rose to a new high of $84,300 at the end of the third quarter.  Employees who were  continuously active in their plans saw the average balance rise over 19% to $223,100 and pre-retiree age 55 or older who have been active in their plan for at least ten years, the average balance is now $269,500.

Most 401k plans utilize 20-30 funds and Fidelity found that 1 in 3 employees are using just one fund- a 'target- date" fund.  Thes funds are ideal for a retirement saver who doesn't have time to follow the markets and choose funds.