What is a 401(k) plan?

A 401(k) plan is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan that is typically offered by employers to help employees save for their retirement. The key feature of a 401(k) is that it allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax salary into the account, which can grow tax-deferred until withdrawal during retirement. Many employers may also offer matching contributions to incentivize employee participation, further enhancing the savings potential.

The plan is defined by its flexibility in investment options and contribution limits set by the government, which can vary from year to year. Participants can choose how to invest their contributions among a range of options provided by the plan, such as mutual funds, stocks, and bonds.

Other options presented do not define a 401(k) accurately. A government-mandated savings plan suggests a compulsory savings approach, which is not how 401(k) plans operate, as participation is voluntary and dependent on employer offerings. A type of individual investment fund could refer to various investment strategies or vehicles, but it does not encompass the structured retirement savings aspect specific to 401(k) plans. Lastly, a plan for saving for a home purchase pertains to different financial goals and doesn't align with the purpose of a 401(k), which is specifically