Aprovecha tu match de 401(k) antes de que pase

La mayoría de los trabajadores no aprovechan al máximo sus contribuciones a planes de ahorro postresidenciales como los 401(k), lo que significa dejar dinero en la mesa.

El valor del match: más allá de la cifra

El match de un 401(k) es más valioso de lo que parece en primera instancia. No solo te otorga una cantidad adicional de dinero para el futuro, sino que también te da una oportunidad de ganancia a largo plazo.

Por ejemplo, si earns $60,000 anually and your employer offers a 4% match, putting in $2,400 would net you an additional $2,400 from your employer, for a total of $4,800. But once you've claimed that match, you can invest it and potentially earn returns on it for years to come.

After 30 years with a 7% average annual return, that initial $2,400 match could grow to nearly $18,000. That's a substantial sum that could help supplement your retirement income.

Claim your match: a step-by-step guide

If you're not sure how much you need to contribute to maximize your match, check with your employer for their specific formula. Then, divide that amount by the number of pay periods left in the year and aim to save that much each time you're paid.

Remember, as your income changes, so will your match. If you get a raise, you may need to increase your contribution rate to keep from leaving any of that extra money on the table.