Free Money: Employer Match

Let's be blunt: if your employer offers a 401(k) match and you're not contributing enough to max it out, you are turning down part of your salary. Full stop.

A 4% match on a $60,000 salary is $2,400/year in free money. Over a 30-year career with investment growth, that match alone could become $400,000+. Some companies vest gradually (you only keep the match after 3-4 years), but most vest it immediately.