401(k) Employer Match
An employer match is money your company adds to your 401(k) based on what you contribute — commonly 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary. It's an immediate, guaranteed return on your savings, which is why the near-universal advice is to contribute at least enough to capture the full match.
A 50%-up-to-6% match on a $100,000 salary adds $3,000 a year if you contribute 6%. Skipping it leaves free money on the table. Matched dollars may vest over time, so check your plan's schedule before counting on the full amount if you might change jobs.
Put it to work
401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement — including the employer match — and check your contributions against the 2026 IRS limit of $24,500.
Retirement Calculator
Project your retirement savings: what your balance could reach by retirement age and the monthly income it could sustainably provide.