Average IRA contributions for tax year 2013 increased 5.7 percent over the previous year and reached $4,150, an all-time high. Average balances are up almost 10 percent over last year to $89,100.

Overall, average IRA contributions for investors in their 20s, 30s and 40s are up 3.9 percent, 6.7 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively.

To come to these conclusions, Fidelity analyzed the responses of 2,027 adults 18 and older who participated in a national survey in November.

Saving more, paying off debt and spending less were the top three New Year’s financial resolutions in a recent Fidelity study, says Ken Hevert, vice president for Fidelity Investments. This survey indicates people are taking their resolutions seriously, he says.

“The overarching reality is that more Americans understand that saving for retirement is their own responsibility,” he says.

Despite this increase in how much people are saving, Hevert says many face the challenge of prioritizing more immediate needs and wants.

Things like purchasing a home, saving for college and starting a family can impede retirement savings. But, he says, IRAs are desirable investments because of the ease of saving with automatic contributions and tax benefits.

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