Glossary
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The 401(k) plan is a workplace retirement plan. It allows workers to defer a certain portion of their wages into a retirement account, which they can then invest for the future. In return, workers get certain tax advantages both in the short term and the long term.
401(k) matching contributions are the additional contributions made by employers, on top of the contributions made by employees. These matches are made on a percentage basis, such as 25%, 50% or even 100% of the employee’s contribution amount, up to a limit of total employee compensation.
A 403(b) plan is a workplace retirement plan — typically offered by public schools and higher education institutions, churches, and charitable entities — designed to help employees save for retirement while receiving tax benefits.
A 401(k) loan allows you to borrow from the balance you’ve built up in your retirement account. Generally, if allowed by the plan, you may borrow up to 50% of your vested balance, for a maximum loan amount of $50,000.