What is a traditional IRA or 401k?

The two primary options for retirement savings include individual retirement accounts and a defined contribution plan such as a 401k. Individuals can choose to save on their own and open an IRA, however a IRA opened by an individual won't carry the benefit of employer matching. Typically individuals contribute a percentage of their salary to their 401k, and many employers may offer matching contributions to that 401k up to a specified dollar amount.