Wallet Therapy: Free Money on the Table | The 401(k) Match You're Probably Missing

You make decent money. You're contributing something to your 401(k). You think you're good. But what if I told you there's free money sitting on the table — money your employer literally wants to give you — and most people have no idea they're walking away from it?This week on Wallet Therapy, Becky admits she spent years contributing 2% to her 401(k) and missing out on her full employer match (oof), and Alex breaks down the part of your paycheck you might not even know you're leaving behind.We get into:What an employer match actually IS (explained like you're five)Why this is step five on your money journey — and when it's okay to skip aheadThe "paycheck illusion" and why contributing $100 doesn't actually take $100 out of your checkRoth vs. Traditional 401(k) — and why Alex has strong feelings about itReal numbers: what starting at 20 vs. 30 vs. 40 vs. 50 actually looks like at retirementWhy it's NEVER too late to start (and the math to prove it)Your homework: Log into your 401(k) right now. Check your contribution percentage. Is it hitting your full employer match? If not, increase it today. That's it. That's the assignment.🎟️ Want to ask Alex your specific 401(k) questions live? Join us May 14th at 6pm in our Wallet Therapy Live session on Patreon → patreon.com/beckyhaterTry Monarch: Get 50% off your first year → https://monarch.com/referral/ey3kkk8c7eConnect with us:Join the Live Therapy: Support the show and join our monthly live Q&As at patreon.com/beckyhayter.Share your story: Email us at [email protected] to have your financial scenario featured on the show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.