[masraum]

If I could put 10, 12, 15%, or more into 401k, I would. As it is, I, at least, put enough to get my company's match. At my last co, they would match 100% up to 5%, and you were 100% vested immediately. I made something like 115% on my money last year if you lump the company matching in with the stock market gains. (the 15% is a fluke and a result of the wild recession ride). If you can get anywhere near 100% for no money and no risk....

When I was in my 20's, I put money in a 401k. When I left that job, I took the money. It wasn't much, a few grand, but I wish it was still in my portfolio. I paid out one other time, when I was laid off in 2001. I needed the money, but really regret that one too.

Keep putting money in, put in as much as you can manage, leaving some money for normal savings if you won't touch that for stupid stuff. Try to manage the two so you don't have much "extra" money. It may suck now, but it'll pay off later in spades.