DB(k) Plan

A retirement plan that combines some of the characteristics of a 401(k) plan with those of a defined benefit (DB) plan. Funds can be voluntarily contributed to the DB(k) plan just as they can with a 401(k) plan, with the employer retaining the option to match the funds up to a certain percentage. Upon retirement, the employer will also pay the employee a small percentage of his or her salary, which is similar to a traditional pension.

The DB(k) plan was included in the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

The DB(k) plan was designed to provide businesses with a way to attract employees, since many investors worry that their entire savings could be wiped out in a down market. Retaining the pension characteristic means that the retiree will still have a source of income, regardless of the performance of the 401(k) portion of the plan.