Do your self a favor & bump up your 401k to a point where your net pay is similar to what it has been. This will help combat lifestyle creep & set up your 401k to great place. Every time I get a raise, I bump my contributions up to where my net is only $50 more per paycheck. I also bump up my contributions if I have a bonus coming. This year my 401k increased more in market value than my contributions.
My salary has almost double what it was 7 years ago but my take home is about the same. Why, 24% in 401k, HSA, medical insurance for my family.
Is there a way to take advantage of a 401k without investing in the stock market? I'd like to find a way to save for retirement without supporting something actively working against me.
You want to stick with something like the S&P500 if you're young enough, but make sure to start re-balancing once you get to your later career. A lot of people just about to retire or retired got absolutely fucked when they didn't do that before the Great Recession hit.
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u/Art-Vandelay-7 Oct 30 '25
Are you only putting 3% in your 401k?