Why Your 401k Match Is Not Really Free Money

Lucas and Luna unpack the fine print of 401(k) matching programs—why the typical 50% match up to 6% is often structured to maximize employer flexibility, not your retirement. They look at vesting schedules that trap you for years, lookback provisions that skip your highest-earning periods, and true-up policies that leave money on the table if you front-load contributions. Using the example of a mid-career engineer at a Fortune 500 firm, they show how a standard 5% match can actually be worth 30% less than it appears due to these hidden mechanics. Plus: the new 2026 SECURE 2.0 automatic-enrollment rules that could boost participation but also introduce new pitfalls for high earners. Listeners walk away with a concrete checklist: check your plan's vesting schedule, lookback provision, and true-up policy before assuming any match is 'free.' #401k #Retirement #EmployerMatch #VestingSchedule #TrueUp #SECURE20 #Compensation #Careers #PersonalFinance #Benefits #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TotalComp #PaySecrets #RetirementPlanning #HRPolicies #LucasAndLuna #MoneyMyths Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo