“Matching optimization is about getting the most employer match given limited personal cash. A common employer formula is ‘100% match up to 4% of pay.’ That means the employer will fully match your contributions, up to 4% of your salary. Doing the math lets you see how much extra money the employer adds when you contribute the necessary percent. This quick calculation is a helpful habit: when you understand the dollar impact of meeting the match threshold, you can prioritize contributions to capture that free money before directing additional savings elsewhere.”