money at work

You might be turning down pay that is already yours.

An employer match is part of your compensation, but it only arrives if you contribute enough to trigger it. Most people set the number once and never check.

You asked for the one-line question to send HR. It is below, as the slides from the post, then the one move, then the tool the chart points at.

Slide 1 of 7: You might be turning down pay that is already yours.

Slide 2 of 7: A 4% match on a $70,000 salary is worth this much every year, and it only arrives if you trigger it.

Slide 3 of 7: Most private-sector workers have a plan available, and most people join it.

Slide 4 of 7: The contribution rate most people have is the one that was already filled in on the form.

Slide 5 of 7: If you cannot afford the full amount right now, contribute what you can and raise it at the next raise.

Slide 7 of 7: Save this for your next benefits window.

Three lines to find in your plan portal.

01
Find the match formula.It is in the plan summary, or HR can send it in one email.
02
Set your contribution to the percentage that earns the full match.That number, not the default.
03
Check the vesting schedule.It tells you how long until the match is yours if you leave.

The tool this chart points at

A low-fee brokerage

For the IRA, the index fund and the rollover. Broad index funds with expense ratios under 0.1%.

Open it

This link may pay Money in One Chart a referral fee if you open an account. Your price does not change. How that works.

Sources: Arithmetic: 4% of $70,000; BLS Employee Benefits March 2025; Vanguard How America Saves 2026.

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