John Mateyko, APMA®, WMCP™, RICP® on What Employers Should Know about 401(k) Matching

 

In the modern workplace, flashy perks like catered lunches or casual dress codes may attract attention—but when it comes to what really matters, retirement benefits remain a top priority for employees.

According to a 2019 survey, 68% of workers said retirement benefits influenced their decision to accept a job, and 62% reported these benefits would impact their decision to stay. Additionally, a strong employer 401(k) match is seen as a cornerstone of retirement security by a majority of employees.

If your company doesn’t yet offer a match, it may be time to reconsider. Below is a breakdown of how 401(k) matching works and the strategic advantages it offers your business.

What is 401(k) Matching and How Does It Work?

A 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their income into a retirement savings account—often on a pre-tax basis. A matching contribution is when the employer contributes to that same account based on how much the employee contributes.

Common match structures include:

• Partial match: e.g., 50% of employee contributions up to 6% of their salary.

• Full match: e.g., dollar-for-dollar match up to a defined limit.

For example:
An employee earning $60,000 contributes 6% of their salary ($3,600). With a 50% match, the employer contributes $1,800—providing a valuable incentive for employee savings.

To safeguard against high turnover, many employers use a vesting schedule, which requires employees to remain with the company for a certain period before gaining full ownership of matched funds.

Key Benefits for Employers

Implementing a 401(k) match isn’t just about employee perks—it’s also a smart financial move for your business. Here’s why:

• Tax Advantages: Contributions are tax-deductible and exempt from payroll taxes in most cases.

• Owner Contributions: Business owners can contribute to their own 401(k), potentially lowering their taxable income.

• Attraction and Retention: Competitive retirement benefits help you attract top talent and reduce turnover.

Ultimately, a well-structured 401(k) match can significantly boost your company's value proposition as an employer while reinforcing long-term financial planning for all team members.

Meet John Mateyko

With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, John Mateyko is the founder and Managing Partner of IDEX Financial, based in Serenbe, Georgia. His practice centers on helping clients build sustainable retirement income strategies and make informed investment decisions.

John holds a degree in Business from Augustana College and has worked for respected institutions including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, and US Bank. His credentials include:

• APMA® – Accredited Portfolio Management Advisor

• WMCP™ – Wealth Management Certified Professional

• RICP® – Retirement Income Certified Professional

He is currently pursuing the CIMA® designation from the Yale School of Management, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

About IDEX Financial

Founded in 2010 in Chicago and now headquartered in Serenbe, Georgia, IDEX Financial is a boutique advisory firm focused on retirement planning, portfolio management, and long-term wealth strategies. John and his team work closely with individuals and businesses to deliver tailored financial solutions rooted in clarity and confidence.

Beyond his professional role, John is an active member of the Serenbe community, where he and his family contribute to local initiatives and enjoy the area’s holistic lifestyle.

Offering a 401(k) match is more than a benefit—it's a strategic decision that can strengthen employee satisfaction, boost retention, and enhance your company’s financial position. For guidance on implementing or optimizing your retirement plan strategy, John Mateyko and IDEX Financial are here to help you navigate the process with expert insight and personalized advice.