<prompt> Human: Hi rpersonalfinance! I need help :Im 26 and was recently let go from one of my jobs long story short but had 3 part time jobs in an attempt to finally get my foot in the door in my industry. At one point I was employed full-time at a medical practice and they offered a 401k with a company match of 3, I believe. For some reason, I never took advantage of this and now that theyve let me go and Im only employed part-time no benefits : and collecting unemployment, Im worried that I fucked myself and my future a bit.My bank account is not in the negatives, thank god, but Im worried that Ive missed out on years of free money for my retirement, essentially. Can I get some insightadvice here? I contribute to my savings as much as I can and luckily am still on my parents health insurance, cell phone plan and I dont have a car or car insurance so that helps a lot. I suppose youll want some numbers:Rent: 927monthUtilities: 80monthFood: 120ish a month It fluctuates but Im good at meal planning!Other: 90? stuff for my cat, metro costs, random take out, netflix, spotify etc Currently...Checking: 1,400 rent check still hasnt clearedSavings: 8,000 give or take a bit.Credit card: -400 Student loan: -1,068I cant give a solid number on my income right now as obviously my part time work fluctuates and Im on unemployment. After looking at my bank account it looks like I made roughly 1400 for September but thats obviously not super accuratereflective of my usual earnings when Im employed. I havent touched my savings since Ive lost my job and Ive actually managed to put money into it. I never really go out so that saves me a lot of money and Im thinking of canceling my spotify just to keep cutting costs where I can. Id appreciate any helptips you guys can give me! Please be nice, Im a bit self conscious in general right now and know it was stupid not to open the 401k at my old job. My ex SO is a financial advisor and Ive thought of going to him for help but recently were in a very emotionally fragile place and are not currently speaking. Plus Im just a bit embarrassed at my current situation and would rather seek help from internet strangers. Thanks in advance!Assistant: The best time to invest in a 401k is when you are 18, the second best time is now.Human: Thanks! Ive seen variations of this like 3 times now, haha. Must be a common reassurance.  <response>: Here, Ive generalized it for you:The best time to make an important financial decision was n years ago. The second best time is now. 