Understanding Your 401(k) Auto-Enrollment Options
Auto-enrolled in a 401(k) and not sure why? SECURE 2.0 signs new hires up at a 3%–10% default—here’s what it means and how to change it.
How to Decide Between Roth vs Traditional 401(k)
Roth vs traditional 401(k) is one question: pay tax now or later? Both cap at $24,500 in 2026, so it’s about timing — plus a new high-earner Roth rule.
How 401(k) Vesting Decides When Your Match Is Yours
401(k) vesting decides when your employer match is truly yours. Your paycheck contributions are 100% vested from day one; the match can take up to 6 years.
How a 401(k) Employer Match Works — and Becomes Yours
A 401(k) match is free money—if you contribute enough to trigger it. See how formulas and vesting work, and how yours compares to the 4.7% average.
Is Your 401(k) on Track for Your Age?
How much should be in your 401(k) by 40, 50, or 60? Fidelity says 3x, 6x, and 8x your salary — see how your balance really compares.
The Average 401(k) Employer Match, and How to Get It All
The average 401(k) employer match is worth about 4-6% of pay, yet auto-enrollment often defaults workers below the level that earns the full amount.
Who Maxes Out a 401(k), and Why So Few Actually Do
Who maxes out a 401(k)? Barely one in seven—and nearly all are high earners. The reason isn’t discipline; it’s arithmetic most salaries can’t beat.
What Your Average 401(k) Balance by Age Really Means
The average 401(k) balance by age looks alarming — until you see the median. At $44,115, the typical account holds far less than headlines suggest.
Deciding How Much to Contribute to Your 401(k)
How much to contribute to a 401(k)? Most workers defer just 7.6% of pay—under the 15% research suggests. Here’s how to set the right rate for you.
What Is the 401(k) Employer Contribution Limit?
The 401(k) employer contribution limit isn’t a separate number. It’s what’s left of a shared $72,000 cap after your deferral — here’s how to find it.
