With record high unemployment levels and Americans feeling the cash pinch of the recessive national economy, many households have allowed their retirement plans to lag behind. Extra cash that was previously used to pay into a retirement account is being used to make ends meet during tough economic times. Likewise many companies suspended their employer contributions to employee retirement accounts. However, many employers are re-instituting employer matching contributions to 401k and other company sponsored pension plans. About 30% of employers that canceled the employer matching contributions over the past 3 years are reporting to start contributing again this New Year. Employer paid matching retirement contributions are a great way to save twice as fast into a retirement account because the employer matches the investment made by the employee to encourage savings and as an added benefit to employment. Make sure to inquire with your current (or prospective) employer as to what, if any, retirement plans are offered through the company or an affiliated group…your retirment pay is equally as important as the salary/pay you recieve.