2025 ‘401(k) Champion’ Essay Contest Deadline Fast Approaching
Know a 401(k) participant who goes above and beyond to advocate for and encourage others to enroll in their workplace retirement plan? Perhaps their leading by example and zeal for inspiring participation among coworkers could earn them some national recognition and a cool $1,000.
Award-winning author and retirement expert Julie Jason has announced the launch of this year’s 401(k) Champion Essay Competition, a national initiative that celebrates everyday 401(k) participants who inspire retirement readiness among their peers.
“Effective 401(k) participation is all about making sound choices today instead of waiting until tomorrow,” said Jason, founder of Jackson, Grant Investment Advisers, Inc., and sponsor of the 401(k) Champion Competition.
At a time when 57% of American workers feel behind on their retirement savings (Bankrate, 2024), financial literacy in the workplace has never been more critical.
The 401(k) Champion Award is not about financial professionals, it’s about real people who take initiative, share knowledge, and lead by example. These are the coworkers who encourage others to enroll, explain matching contributions, and make retirement planning part of everyday conversation.
Three outstanding individuals will be named 401(k) Champions, each receiving a $1,000 cash award and national recognition for their leadership in financial wellness. The competition is open to all 401(k) plan participants nationwide and there is no fee to apply.
But here’s the catch: the application deadline is fast approaching—as in Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, less than two weeks from now. Winners will be announced on Friday, Sept. 5—which happens to be National 401(k) Day, celebrated on the Friday after Labor Day each year, symbolizing the transition from labor to retirement.
401(k) plan participants can enter the essay contest at: https://401kchampion.com/.
401(k) plan sponsors can encourage employees to compete for the National 401(k) Champion title, and are welcome to learn more about sponsoring their own company-wide 401(k) Champion essay contest. Visit the “For Employers” section of the website for more information: https://401kchampion.com/for-employers/.
SEE ALSO:
• 2023 401(k) Champion Contest Winners Revealed
Veteran financial services industry journalist Brian Anderson joined 401(k) Specialist as Managing Editor in January 2019. He has led editorial content for a variety of well-known properties including Insurance Forums, Life Insurance Selling, National Underwriter Life & Health, and Senior Market Advisor. He has always maintained a focus on providing readers with timely, useful information intended to help them build their business.
