<prompt> Human: 30 years old, first full time job for about half a year. My company has decent benefits except 401k match only 1000 a year. I put about 500 each month to the 401k so 6000 a year, which is about half the maximum I can contribute and am wondering if I should get up to the full 11,500?I have 5500 in my IRA already for this year, no debts, 5000 emergency fundliquid for bills, and rent an apartment in a high COL area so I dont think a house is in my near future.After all bills, rent, and taxes, I have approx 1000 per month free. Ive been putting it into a Vanguard mutual fund so I can more easily take it out vs a 401k if I eventually need it for a house downpayment, but dont know if this is wise.Any advice?  <response>: 401k and investing are the same thing, just different vehicles for it.Also if youre saving for a house I wouldnt invest that money at all. You should create a Separate HYS for that 