A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan where you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes are taken out. The money grows over time, and your employer may add matching contributions. Understanding how a 401(k) works—including contribution limits, tax treatment, and withdrawal rules—helps you make decisions about how much to save and when you can access that money.
These articles explain the mechanics of 401(k) accounts: how contributions work, what happens to your money as it grows, how employer matching functions, what the annual contribution limits are, and what the rules are for taking money out before and after retirement. You'll also find information about how 401(k)s compare to other retirement savings options.