401(k) Plans: Limits, Employer Match and How They Work
A 401(k) can be the easiest way to build wealth, especially when your employer adds free money. Learn how a 401k works and how to get the most from it.
Understand the Rules Before You Contribute
Our complete 401(k) guide explains 401k contribution limits, employer match, vesting schedules and the difference between traditional and Roth contributions. It also covers early withdrawal penalties, required minimum distributions and how to handle a 401k rollover when you change jobs.
Compare Your 401(k) and Rollover Options
Our practical 401(k) comparison shows how plan features, fees and investment choices stack up, and how a rollover to an IRA compares with leaving money in your old plan.
Six Savers, Six 401(k) Strategies
Young professionals, job changers and late starters all faced different challenges. Read their stories. Each has a dedicated page showing their situation, their problems and how they used their 401(k).
Browse all 401(k) articles below.
-
Mega Backdoor Roth: How Sandra Optimizes Her 401(k) Beyond the Max
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Already maxing out your 401(k)? A mega backdoor Roth lets after-tax 401(k) contributions become tax-free Roth savings, but only if your plan supports it. Sandra is already maxing out her standard 401(k) contributions. She suspects there’s more room to optimize her retirement savings, and she’s heard of…
-
Solo 401(k) for Self-Employed Owners: How Adam Chose His Retirement Plan
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 A solo 401(k) is a self-employed retirement plan that lets you save as both employee and employer, with higher contribution limits than an IRA and a setup that takes less effort than you’d expect. Adam has spent his energy building his business and hasn’t had the structured…
-
401(k) Contribution on a Tight Budget: How Teresa Finds a Realistic Number
By Jozsef Huszar • Updated: September 16, 2026 Choosing a 401(k) contribution on a tight family budget starts with one rule: capture the full employer match first, then build from there. Teresa knows retirement savings matter, but with a mortgage and kids’ expenses already stretching the household budget, finding room for 401(k) contributions feels like…