One of the most prevalent retirement plans available is the 401(k) plan sponsored by the employer which allows an employee to segregate his paycheck so that a part goes into his retirement plan. As the funds that are deducted from your paycheck for this purpose are taken before tax calculations, you would be paying the tax for income post this subtraction. This is capable of reducing your income tax at a decent level. Taxes will be calculated for these funds on withdrawal.

However, this plan has its cons in the way that it doesn’t allow you to withdraw these funds in emergencies.

Coming to the question as to how much an employee should be investing into this, it is always better to start as early as possible and contributing as much as possible, keeping in mind your sustenance in old age. Some companies also match your funds to a particular percentage of your paycheck. For example, if your company chooses to match up to 3% of your salary when you move 3% or more of your paycheck, the company will also fund 3% but not more. The IRS has set a limit for the contributions which according to 2017 was $18,000 at most. This could be increased by $6,000 if you are 49 or older.