Questions:

• What is a qualified retirement plan?
• Why are 401(k) plans so popular?
• What is a Keogh plan?
• What does it mean to be "vested" in my retirement plan?
• Is an IRA a retirement plan?
• Can people who work for a company and own their own business have a retirement plan both at work and through their small business?
• Is my retirement plan protected from creditors?

Answer:

What does it mean to be "vested" in my retirement plan?

If you are vested in your retirement plan, you can take it with you when you leave the company. If you are 50% vested, you can take 50% of it with you when you go. In the case of a 401(k) plan, you are always 100% vested in the salary you defer into the plan, but may not be vested in any employer contributions to the plan (depending on the plan's rules).