📈 Am I leaving 401(k) match on the table?
💼 401(k) Match
An employer match is often the highest-return dollar in personal finance. Before any market growth, you can earn an immediate 25% to 100% return on your contributions depending on the plan. This calculator shows if you are leaving free money on the table.
🏢 Plan Formula
According to the IRS, a plan's match formula is set by its governing document. A classic structure offers 50 cents for each dollar you defer, up to a certain percentage of your pay. This is often phrased as 50% of the first 6% of pay.
📈 Long-Term Growth
The IRS notes that while your own deferrals are 100% vested, employer matching contributions may follow a vesting schedule. Recently hired employees could forfeit unvested matches if they leave early.
This model simplifies away salary growth, per-paycheck true-ups, and eventual withdrawal taxes. The compounded figure represents a pre-tax account value.
🔗 See Also
For further related reading, check out:
📊 Results
Annual Missed
Verdict
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Total Wealth Lost
Calculator updated by heyfinfam (v26.7.0) · View history
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