What does "401(k) match" refer to?

The term "401(k) match" specifically refers to the practice where an employer contributes a certain amount to an employee's 401(k) retirement savings plan that matches the employee’s own contributions, up to a predetermined limit. This is designed to incentivize employees to save more for retirement by effectively boosting their savings through the employer's additional contribution.

For example, if an employee contributes a percentage of their salary to their 401(k), the employer might match that contribution dollar for dollar up to a specific percentage. This matching contribution is a valuable benefit that enhances the overall retirement savings strategy for employees, making it beneficial for both the employee's financial future and the company's employee retention strategy.

Other choices like salary increases, government contributions, or interest earned on accounts do not represent the specific mechanism of matching funds that is critical to understanding how 401(k) plans can effectively grow retirement savings.