Don't Leave Employer Match Money on the Table
A 401(k) employer match is essentially free money: your company adds extra funds to your retirement account based on how much you contribute yourself, up to a set percentage of your salary. If your employer matches 100% of your first 3% and 50% of the next 2%, contributing at least 5% captures the full match — skipping it means walking away from guaranteed money.
This calculator shows your own contributions, the employer match you'd receive, and how compound growth adds to the total over your chosen time horizon. Keep in mind that while your own contributions are always yours, many employers use a vesting schedule for their match — meaning you may forfeit part of it if you leave before you're fully vested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many employers match a percentage of your salary that you contribute, up to a cap — for example, 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% you contribute.
Your own contributions are always yours, but employer match money often vests over a schedule (e.g., 20% per year over 5 years) — leaving early can mean forfeiting the unvested portion.
Generally yes — an employer match is an immediate, guaranteed return on your contribution that's hard to beat with any other investment.