What is a 401(k) plan?

A 401(k) plan is indeed a retirement savings account that is sponsored by an employer, making it an integral part of many employees' retirement planning. The primary purpose of a 401(k) plan is to enable employees to save for their retirement in a tax-advantaged manner. Contributions made to this plan are often made through payroll deductions, allowing workers to have a portion of their earnings automatically diverted into the account before taxation.

This type of plan typically offers various investment options, such as mutual funds, stocks, and bonds, chosen from a selection provided by the employer. One of the significant advantages of a 401(k) plan is the potential for employer matching contributions, where the employer matches a portion of employee contributions, effectively enhancing the employee's savings.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a 401(k) plan. For example, a government-backed savings account does not reflect the employer-based and often employee-contributory nature of the 401(k). Additionally, while high-income earners can certainly participate in a 401(k), the plan is not limited to them, making the characterization of it as an investment account for high-income earners misleading. Furthermore, a risk-free savings account suggests a level of security contrasting