In recent months a number of companies including GM an Frontier Airlines have been forced to make the choice between matching their employees 401k contributions or laying off workers.  This trend is expected to continue as manufacturing and retail sectors announce losses.

For employees this does not mean they should look for other methods of saving but it could mean an additional cut in end of year balances already hit from the weak market. This year alone many employees have seen a 30% reduction in their retirement funds and the absence of matching could mean an average of 5% in some accounts.

If you are looking for investment options you should take the time to investigate your current holdings and any future investments. Some investors that chose sound products are now  finding themselves with nothing more then an electronic statement showing years of savings lost.