<prompt> Human: Last 2 years, I was employed full-time but my previous work didnt offer any retirement plan. So I focused on paying off my student loan and debt clearing was my first priority. Thanks to the efforts that paid off, Im finally debt-free since last month, after clearing 20,000 loan. Also, there were small changes - Ive been hired at new job and my new employer matches 401k. So Now is a good time to concentrate on retirement preparation. So, Ive been lurking rpersonalfinance for a while. Of course, I saw many people who were in the same shoe. But there werent any posts sharing the same options with mine. Im not very sure whether Im on the right track thus, Id like to borrow your insights and learn from there. Here are available funds for 401k to choose from: My age: late 20s Income: 60,000 3,600 monthly take-home paycheck Monthly expenses: 1,700 including rent, utilities, groceries Account type: 401k 100 match up to 4.5 of paycheck Debt : Free Other savings or investments: 6 month emergency fund in CIT Bank Portfolio goal: 401k investing Id appreciate any help. What is the best course of action to start with this? Id love to learn how to carry out a 401k option assessment.  <response>: Im curious in what way youre late for 401k contributions. Are you talking about late to start, age-wise? Because youre not late if youre contributing to retirement at all in your 20s and debt-free no less. Yes, the best time to start was yesterday, but the second-best time is, well, you know... 