Imagine this: your boss offers you free money every time you save for your future. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. It’s called employer matching, and it’s one of the most powerful benefits in a company’s 401(k) retirement plan.

If you’ve ever heard someone say “I’m building my portfolio,” you might picture a folder full of stock charts or a Wall Street professional in a suit. But here’s the truth: an investment portfolio is simply a collection of things you own that are meant to grow your money over time.

If you’ve just started contributing to a 401(k) —or you’re thinking about it—you’re already ahead of the game. But how do you know if your money is working hard enough for you? 

That’s a loaded question.  “How rich do you want to be later in life?” is a better way to ask the question.