Application Period Open for 2026 ‘401(k) Champion’ Competition
The application period is now open for the 2026 401(k) Champion Competition, a national essay contest that asks everyday 401(k) participants to share why they appreciate their 401(k)s.
The competition, which is judged anonymously by a panel of independent judges, helps identify individuals who can articulate the benefits of 401(k)s as retirement savings tools, potentially opening the door to peer-to-peer engagement.
According to competition sponsor 401kchampion.com, the application period will continue until Aug. 28, 2026, and three winners who will each receive $1,000 will be announced Sept. 11, 2026, on National 401(k) Day, celebrated annually on the first Friday after Labor Day.
“When people hear directly from co-workers who have learned how to use their 401(k)s well, the conversation becomes real, practical and motivating.”
Julie Jason
The goal of the 401(k) Champion Competition is to raise awareness of the benefits of tax-advantaged retirement savings through the voices of 401(k) participants. The competition recognizes 401(k) participants who take the time to study their company plans to maximize benefits for themselves while sharing their insights with peers and leading by example in the workplace. It seeks to recognize individuals who encourage conversations around 401(k) plans and inspire retirement readiness on the job.
While employee participation and employer contributions in 401(k) plans continue to improve, competition organizers point out that progress in participation has not been matched by improvement in knowledge. According to the TIAA Institute-GFLEC 2026 Personal Finance Index, financial literacy is at its lowest level in the survey’s 10-year history. The index, released in June 2026, found that Americans correctly answered an average of 47% of the index’s 28 questions, the lowest result since tracking began in 2017. It also found that the share of adults with very low financial literacy—those answering seven or fewer of the 28 questions correctly—rose from 20% in 2017 to 25% in 2026. Financial literacy remains low across generations, particularly among Gen Z, who answered only 38% of questions correctly on average in 2026.
Given that backdrop, longtime financial literacy proponent and competition founder Julie Jason said it is even more important in today’s environment to support grassroots engagement through one-at-a-time conversations and through participants sharing personal financial journeys with peers. Jason created the 401(k) Champion Competition as a pro bono initiative of her Stamford, Conn.-based firm, Jackson, Grant Investment Advisers, Inc., an independent fiduciary boutique serving high-net-worth families in an educational, sales-free environment.
“Participation matters, but understanding matters just as much,” said Jason. “When people hear directly from co-workers who have learned how to use their 401(k)s well, the conversation becomes real, practical and motivating. The goal is not only to celebrate good habits, but to help more people see that retirement readiness can begin with informed action today.”
Vytas Kisielius, director of the competition, said the program is designed to elevate the voices of participants who can help others better understand the value of long-term saving through workplace plans.
“The 401(k) Champion Competition shines a light on people who do more than participate—they help others engage,” Kisielius said. “By encouraging participants to share what they have learned, the competition supports a culture in which retirement education is personal, credible and easier for others to act on.”
Essay contest applications are open to U.S.-based 401(k) participants and may be submitted at 401kchampion.com through Aug. 28, 2026.
SEE ALSO:
• Financial Literacy Falls to its Lowest Level in 10 Years
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.