The purpose of a 401(k) is to provide retirement income, so the last thing you ever want to do is access that money while you're still working. But if times get tough and you grow desperate for cash, you might be tempted to tap that account early and access the money that's technically yours.

Matching is a terrific benefit, and approximately 92% of companies that offer 401(k) plans provide a match. To make the most of your employer match, you need to understand when the funds legally become yours, through vesting.

If you are contributing to a 401(k) plan, you probably enjoy seeing those savings increase each year. When you change jobs, you may think of that money as a way to pay moving expenses and other costs connected to starting a new position. Or, you may think of the account as a way to save for a house or another large purchase, or to borrow money for your child's education.

You're interviewing for a new job, and you ask whether the company offers a retirement account. The employer says yes, and you move on to other topics. When you accept the job, you enroll in the retirement account and begin making contributions, but later on, you're disappointed by your savings.

Saving for retirement doesn't have to be a daunting task. In fact, one of experts' most-recommended retirement accounts can make saving virtually effortless.