A fuller guide to this term is on the way. In the meantime, the related terms below explain the ideas around it.
Related MoneyPedia terms
- VestingThe process of earning full ownership of employer-contributed retirement money, often requiring you to stay for a set number of years.
- Vesting ScheduleThe timeline that determines how much of your employer's contributions you keep depending on how long you have worked there.
- Graded VestingA vesting rule where you gradually earn ownership of employer contributions in steps over several years of service.
- Employer MatchMoney your company adds to your retirement account based on how much you contribute, effectively free money toward your savings.
- PensionA retirement plan where your employer promises a set monthly payment for life, usually based on your salary and years worked.
- Defined Contribution PlanA retirement plan like a 401k where you and your employer contribute, and your payout depends on investment performance.
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Plain-English education — not personalized legal, tax, or investment advice.