An employer match is part of your pay that only arrives if you contribute. Contributing below the match threshold leaves money unclaimed.
Reading the formula
A typical match pays a percentage of your contribution up to a share of salary. Work out the exact contribution rate that captures the full match, then set that as the floor.
Vesting
Matched money may take years to become fully yours. Vesting schedules matter when you are thinking about changing jobs.
Front-loading risk
Some plans match per paycheck. Contributing everything early in the year can miss later matches.
