Oakley is a mid-career professional balancing retirement savings with more expenses than a new graduate. He needs more flexibility and access to his funds in case of emergencies. Which retirement plan is the best option for him?

Oakley needs access to savings in an emergency, so lower early-withdrawal fees and a shorter vesting period are important. Choice C has lower early-withdrawal fees and a two-year cliff vesting schedule, meaning he reaches full ownership of the employer match sooner than with the five-year schedules. Although its employer match is less generous than some alternatives, those plans have longer vesting or higher withdrawal costs, which fit his need for flexibility less well.

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