What Is Vesting and How Does It Work in a Retirement Plan?

Many companies offer an employer-sponsored , such as a 401(k) or 403(b), and match a portion of their employees’ contributions. The company match is often referred to as free money, and it’s a great perk. But if you’re starting a new job, you’ll want to review the plan’s vesting schedule—the rate at which the company’s contributions become yours to keep.