<prompt> Human: I just got a new job with a company that is offering a 50 match on every dollar I put into my 401k up to the maximum contribution which is 18kyr I believe. The match is not immediate however, it vests over 5 years with 20 of the match being added every year. 18kyr is over 10 of my income, but I can still afford to contribute the max to the 401k. My question is, should I? Is this matching situation good or meh? How much should I contribute to the 401k considering this?  <response>: Hell yes you should do it. Never turn down the option of getting free money. Max out your retirement contribution. 5 years is nothing. If you do have to leave the job, you wont lose what YOU contribute. You could only lose what your employer contributes. 