[VelesDude]

Pretty much. While it is mandated here, there is nothing stopping others form doing the same.

On my end it is just a manner of optics. The money being put aside, I never see week to week thus it just seems like an added bonus even though it is really just a part of the pay cycle.

[silverquiet]

We have private tax-advantaged plans that work essentially like that, but they are totally optional. Interestingly the only system that is mandatory is our “Social Security” - you are obligated to pay in but the money is pooled; you get something akin to shares in the system, but it only entitles you to a specific payout after a certain age; your contributions are not privately owned.

Unusually for these types of discussions, it seems like the US system is more socialized than the alternative in your country.