401 (K)

401 (K)

A 401(k) is a U.S. workplace retirement plan. You put part of your paycheck into an investment account before income tax is taken out, and many employers add a match. The money grows tax-deferred until you withdraw it, usually in retirement. What you receive depends on the contributions and the investments.

A 403(b) is the similar plan at many schools and nonprofits.

Related Lessons:

Registered Savings icon
Return To Glossary