There's Still Time to Make This Critical Retirement Savings Move for 2026

If you want more cash flow in retirement than you'd get living on just Social Security, consider investing in a 401(k), especially if you have an employer match.

An employer match is essentially free money you can get toward retirement, but there are often requirements to get it, like contributing up to a certain amount. The catch is you typically have to invest a certain percentage of your paycheck by the end of the year. Fortunately, there's still time to do so in 2026.

Don't leave retirement money on the table in 2026

According to data from Fidelity, just over 81% of those with a 401(k) saved enough to get a full employer match, but that still means some did not. Many people don't realize that if you don't claim your employer's match by contributing the correct amount by the end of the year, you may lose the opportunity to do so.

Each employer differs in the type of match they offer and how much they give employees. In most cases, if you don't contribute enough to get your employer's match, you are leaving retirement money on the table.

How to check the status of your 401(k) match

If you're not sure how to check the status of your 401(k) match, you can always contact your human resources department or ask your superior. However, each 401(k) plan is required to provide paperwork that explains the details of your plan, called a Summary Plan Description (SPD).

Your SPD will list whether or not your employer offers a match, how much you have to contribute in order to take full advantage of the match, and other important details about your plan. 

The two most important pieces of information about your match are your matching formula and when you are fully vested. Being fully vested in your account means that you get to keep your full employer's match. If you leave that job before you're fully vested, you may lose the amount your employer contributed.

What to do if you want to get your full employer match in 2026

If you want to get your full employer match this year, first find out how much you have to contribute in order to receive your full company match. Then, calculate how much you have contributed so far. Subtract how much you've contributed from your total match, and you get the remaining amount you need to contribute. You can split this amount across all of the pay periods remaining in the year.

Steps to take if you can't get your full employer match this year

If you've realized that you cannot contribute enough in the remainder of the year to get your full employer match, the best next step is to figure out how much, if any, you can put toward it. Even putting a smaller amount toward your 401(k) is better than nothing at all.

Take a look at your spending patterns and see if there are any areas that you could reduce until the end of the year. By paying attention to your budget and managing your spending better, you could work to contribute as much as possible to your 401(k) before December 31.

How to prepare to max out your 2027 retirement contributions

Once you've decided on your plan for 2026, take the time to make a full retirement contribution plan for 2027. That way, you won't feel like you have to scramble at the end of 2027 in order to get your full employer match. 

Find out how much of each paycheck you'll need to contribute in 2027 in order to get your full employer match. Starting at the beginning of the year, spread out your total contribution among all of your paychecks in 2027.

Tips on increasing your retirement account contributions

There are a few other ways to increase your retirement account contributions. One of the most straightforward ways is to increase your contribution percentage anytime you get a raise or a bonus. That way, you're already used to your current paycheck, and you won't feel the impact of the increased contributions.

An employer match is one of the simplest, highest-return retirement moves

Ultimately, an employer match is one of the most straightforward ways to increase the amount of money you put towards your retirement years. 

Remember, each employer has a different plan and its own policies on the match percentage they offer and how quickly you become vested. That's why it's important to take the time to review your 401(k) policy documents.

Bottom line

Many people make financial mistakes during their younger years, but leaving retirement money on the table doesn't have to be one of them. If your employer offers a match, there's still time to contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn it in 2026.

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