You're probably aware that if you don't manage to save reasonably well for retirement, you risk having to live mostly on Social Security. And that could mean taking about a 60% pay cut if you earn an average wage.

But what if it's been a struggle to get your retirement savings to a good place? Between persistent inflation and other barriers, you may be in a position where you're starting off 2026 with a 401(k) balance you aren't happy with.

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The good news? There's an easy way to make great progress in your 401(k) by the end of the year.

Snag your employer match in full

Many employers that offer 401(k) plans also offer matching contributions. Find out what your workplace match entails for 2026, and set the goal of snagging it in full.

Remember, every dollar your employer puts into your 401(k) is a dollar you get to invest and grow into a large sum. So giving up even $100 or so in matching dollars could mean missing out on a much larger amount after 30 or 40 years.

If you've struggled to claim your full employer match in the past, one strategy that may work this year is to bank your raise from the start. If you never get used to having that extra money in your paychecks, you won't miss it.

Take a look at your current expenses. If you're able to cover them based on your 2025 paycheck and your 2026 raise hasn't kicked in yet, send that extra money into your 401(k) so you can claim your employer match in full. You may find that by the end of the year, you're much happier with your retirement plan balance.