RJ and Makay

A positive development regarding employer matching contributions to employee retirement plans: According to a new survey, 30% of plan sponsors will reinstate previously eliminated or reduced matches in 2011.

That's great news for employees who lost some or all of their match during the recession. Americans need all the help they can get in saving for a secure retirement.

First the good news: Because people have saved some money and the stock market has been rising, 401(k) balances have risen to a 10-year high, reports Fidelity Investments.

In an analysis of about 11 million 401(k) accounts, Fidelity determined that the average balance as of the end of December was $71,500 compared with $59,100 a decade earlier. Among account holders who saved continuously for the past ten years, the average account balance was $183,100.