<prompt> Human: Are specific 401ks always attached to companies like health insurance is? I join a company that provides health benefits, I have no choice but to choose amongst the options the company provides. Are there companies that will match into the existing 401k account I have? Or should I expect to move it every time I change companies? Are there people that are in an industry that will likely move amonst companies often enough that they forgo the hassle and just use their own personal 401k account?  <response>: The 401k is tied to the employer. You have to go through their provider to contribute any money to it. That being said, you dont have to move old 401ks. You can keep them, you just cant contribute to them. Although for the sake of easy management, it might be best to roll old 401ks into the one at your current employer or into an IRA, so youre not managing a dozen 401k accounts a few decades from now. 