Haven't Claimed Your Full 401(k) Match for 2026? 3 Ways to Find the Funds.

IRA savers can do quite well for themselves in the context of building retirement nest eggs. But 401(k) savers tend to have a big advantage: the possibility of a workplace match.

Not every company that offers a 401(k) plan gives a match to help boost savings. But 401(k) matching is a pretty common practice. And if your workplace offers a match, your best bet is to try to claim every penny of it. Otherwise, you're leaving free money on the table.

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Now, one benefit of IRAs is that you have until the following year's tax-filing deadline to finish making contributions. But if you want your full 401(k) match this year, you need to finish funding your workplace plan this year to get it. And since we're already in September, there's not a ton of time to ramp up on 401(k) contributions.

But that doesn't mean you don't have options. Here are a few ways to find the money to boost your 401(k) savings rate and grab your match in its entirety.

1. Do a spending audit

You might assume that you're spending your money as carefully as you can. In reality, a spending audit might reveal some areas where you can cut costs.

Take the time to review your credit card and bank account statements thoroughly from the past six months. You may find recurring expenses (not necessarily monthly) that you can cancel or reduce to free up more money in your 401(k). But make sure to review several months of expenses, since some bills may not be paid every month, such as quarterly subscriptions.

2. Trim one large bill temporarily

You may have certain expenses that eat up a big chunk of your income. If you're willing to cut back for a month or two, that could spell the difference between claiming your full 401(k) match or not.

Your rent itself, for example, may not be negotiable. But if you're willing to split your apartment with a roommate for two months, you might slash your highest cost in half during that time. From there, the money can go into your 401(k). And you may find that plenty of people would love a short-term rental because their plans are in limbo, which could even allow you to charge a bit of a premium.

3. Work a side hustle

If you can't afford to increase your 401(k) contributions because you need your paycheck to cover your costs, a side job could be a great solution. And you may find that a second job gives you more financial flexibility in general.

Plus, just as trimming large bills isn't something you have to do permanently, you don't have to commit to a side hustle forever. Working a second gig for a few months could give you the funds you need to snag your 401(k) match in full.

A 401(k) match is a true gift -- one you don't want to give up. Use these strategies to boost your 401(k) contributions so you're able to claim that match in full before the end of the year.

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