A job offer can look generous until the benefits package enters the conversation. One employer offers a higher salary but no retirement match, while another pays less and contributes extra money to a 401(k). That difference can affect your long-term finances, especially if you plan to stay for several years.
A 401(k) deserves a place on your job-search checklist, but it shouldn’t make the decision alone. Salary, health insurance, paid time off, workplace flexibility, and career opportunities all affect a job’s value. The smartest comparison looks beyond the number on the offer letter and considers what each employer actually puts on the table.
