401(k) Plan

401(k) Plan: "401(k) Plan What does it Mean? A qualified plan established by employers to which eligible employees may make salary-deferral (salary-reduction) contributions on a post- and/or pre-tax basis. Employers may make matching or nonelective contributions to the plan on behalf of eligible employees and may also add a profit-sharing feature to the plan. Earnings accrue on a tax-deferred basis. Investopedia Says... Caps placed by the plan and/or IRS regulations usually limit the percentage of salary-deferral contributions. There are also restrictions on how and when employees can withdraw these assets, and penalties may apply if the amount is withdrawn while an employee is under the retirement age as defined by the plan. Plans that allow participants to direct their own investments provide a core group of investment products from which participants may choose. Otherwise, professionals hired by the employer direct and manage the employees' investments."