<prompt> Human: My wifes employer offers a 401k plan. If she maxes it out, then she wont have much left over to contribute our shared marital expenses. I earn enough that I can max out my 401k and cover the other expenses. Is it acceptable for us to do that? I mean, depending on your perspective, it might look like Im putting the legally allowed max in my 401k, then putting more in hers. I think Im also confused by the fact that we live in a community property state, so her 401k is, in a sense, my 401k and vice versa.  <response>: Legally? Yes, of course its fine. How you divide your expenses is entirely up to you, and the government doesnt care at all. As long as her 401k contributions come from her payroll deductions, everythings kosher.This is one of the reasons I consider it kind of silly for married couples to keep separate finances. 