The free money at work

A full read

What the match is

Some jobs add money to your savings. They only add it when you add yours first. This extra money is called a match. Put in nothing, and they add nothing. It is really extra pay that you have to claim.

employer match

Money your job puts into your savings. It matches what you put in yourself.

Sources

IRS, Notice on 2026 retirement plan limits — 401(k) elective deferral $24,500; catch-up $8,000; ages 60–63 $11,250
Canada Revenue Agency, RRSP dollar limit 2026 ($33,810) and the 18%-of-prior-year-earned-income rule
Vanguard, How America Saves — participation rate and average promised employer contribution
U.S. Department of Labor / ERISA vesting schedules (up to 6 years graded)
Canada Revenue Agency, Deferred Profit Sharing Plans — vesting within 2 years of membership
IRC §127 (educational assistance, $5,250/yr) and IRC §423 (ESPP discount up to 15%)

Read end to end and corrected: August 9, 2026. Numbers checked: August 9, 2026.