Great news for savers: The maximum 401(k) contribution, which is now linked to inflation, has been bumped from $15,000 to $15,500 for next year; employees age 50 and older can put in an additional $5,000, or $20,500 total. So nudge up your contribution to keep pace.

If that isn't realistic, raise your contribution one percentage point. It's like squeezing water from a wet towel: If you try hard enough, you can always wring out another 1% from your spending.