Tag: 401k participation
Introduction Charles Schwab & Co.’s decision in March 2003 to suspend its matching contribution to its 401(k) plan made headlines. But Schwab is not the only company to suspend the employer match. This Issue in Brief looks at the nature of the employer match in 401(k) plans, the role that the match plays in individua…
Abstract This paper uses the 1998 Survey of Consumer Finances to identify the factors that determine whether an eligible employee elects to participate in a 401(k) plan and the magnitude of the employee’s contribution. The conclusion is that the most important factor affecting employees’ participation and contribution decisions is their planning horizon. Those with planning…