Maximize 401(k) Employer Match First

Capturing the full employer match delivers an instant 50-100% return on your contribution, outperforming all other retirement strategies by offering a guaranteed risk-free gain. For example, a 100% match on the first 6% of a $100,000 salary means $6,000 in free money annually. With automatic payroll deductions, it requires no active management and compounds aggressively over time. Failing to max the match is leaving a 50-100% return on the table, a mistake no other strategy can compensate for. Starting at age 30 with a $6,000 annual match and 7% growth yields over $600,000 by age 65.