Beneficiary – The person you choose to receive your account if you pass away

Contribution – Money you set aside from each paycheck for retirement

Diversification – Spreading investments across different types to reduce risk

Distribution – Withdrawing money from your retirement account

Employer Match – Extra contributions your employer adds to your account

Expense Ratio – Annual fund fee deducted from investment returns

Fund Performance – How well an investment fund has grown over time

Hardship Withdrawal – Early withdrawal for certain financial emergencies

Loan (Plan Loan) – Borrowing money from your retirement account and paying it back with interest

Pre-Tax Contribution – Money invested before taxes; taxed at withdrawal

Roll Over – Moving savings to another retirement account without penalties

Roth Contribution – Money invested after taxes; withdrawals are tax-free

Target-Date Fund – Investment that adjusts automatically as you near retirement

Vesting – Gaining full ownership of employer contributions after a set time