Don’t Miss Out on Free Money

A Guide to Max Out Your 401(k) Match

Let’s talk about something magical: free money.

No, not from a long-lost aunt or the couch cushions—this one comes from your employer. If your job offers a 401(k), 403(b), 457, or TSP with a match, and you’re not taking full advantage of it, consider this your gentle but firm mom-to-mom nudge: Get. That. Match.

What’s a 401(k) Match?

A 401(k) match is when your employer contributes extra money to your retirement account based on how much you contribute. It’s basically a thank-you-for-saving-for-your-future bonus.

Most employers offer something like this:
“We’ll match 50% of the first 6% of your salary that you contribute.”

Translation:
If you put in 6% of your salary, they’ll throw in 3%—for free.

Real-Life Example:

Let’s say “Mom” earns $90,000 a year.

• 6% of her salary = $5,400/year ($450/month)

• Her employer matches 50% of that = $2,700/year

So just by contributing $5,400 of pre-tax dollars, she ends up with $8,100 in her retirement account by year’s end.

That’s $2,700 in free money—no extra hours, no side hustle required.

Why It Matters

• Your future self will thank you. Retirement may feel lightyears away, but future-you still wants groceries, heat, and the occasional beach vacation.

• It grows tax-deferred. The earlier you contribute, the more time your money has to grow.

• It's an easy win. Unlike most things in life (looking at you, potty training), this one is totally within your control.

Smart Mom Tip

Set your 401(k) contributions to at least the minimum needed to get the full employer match.

Don’t know what that is? HR or your benefits portal should spell it out. You only have to set it up once, and then your money grows quietly in the background while you’re living your life.

Mom Brain Recap

• A 401(k) match = free money your employer gives you just for saving for retirement

• Contribute enough to get the full match

It’s a simple, powerful step toward long-term wealth—and future-you will be so glad you did it.

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