401(k) Match Maximizer
Quickly see how close you are to capturing every dollar of employer match and what to adjust next.
50% match up to 6% of salary
Most common - 35% of plans
Your 401(k) inputs
Projection settings
Opportunity snapshot
Your contribution
$1,800
per year
Employer match
$900
per year
Recommended contribution
6%
of your salary
Action plan
Small change, big impact on lifetime savings.
- Log in to your 401(k) portal.
- Increase your contribution to at least 6%.
- Let payroll deductions automate the savings each paycheck.
- Review annually when you receive a raise.
This adds $900 per year in employer contributions.
Contribution comparison
Visualize how contributions stack up today vs. maximizing the match.
Maximizing your match adds $900 of free money every year.
Long-term impact
Simple projection of cumulative contributions over the years.
Over 30 years, maxing the match builds $81,000 more than staying at today's pace.
Why Employer Matching Matters
What is Employer Matching?
Employer matching is when your company contributes money to your 401(k) based on how much you contribute. It's literally free money - like getting an immediate 50-100% return on your investment.
This is one of the best financial deals available. Missing it is literally leaving free money on the table.
Common Match Formulas
- 50% match up to 6%: Most common (35% of plans)
- 100% match up to 4%: Dollar-for-dollar match
- Tiered matching: Different rates for different contribution levels
- No match: Some employers don't offer matching
The Power of Compound Growth
"$100/month in missed match doesn't sound like much. But over 30 years at 7% growth, that's $122,000 you never got. That's the power of compound interest working against you instead of for you."
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't afford to contribute enough to get the full match?
Start with what you can afford, even if it's 1%. Then increase by 1% every time you get a raise until you hit the match threshold. Many plans offer automatic escalation features.
Should I prioritize 401(k) match over paying off debt?
Generally YES for high-interest debt. The instant 50-100% return on match beats most debt interest rates. But it depends on your specific situation (match rate, debt interest rate, debt type).
What happens to my employer match if I leave the company?
You keep whatever is vested. Check your vesting schedule - you may want to time job changes to avoid forfeiting employer contributions.
Related Resources
Learn more about optimizing your retirement strategy with these comprehensive guides: