<prompt> Human: So the question is basically in the title. Currently I am putting 5 into my 401k, but I am saving plenty.I currently have about 1,000 in the stock market; split mortgageutilities with my girlfriend, etc.Would contributing more to my 401k lower my actual income, or not affect it at all?  <response>: This question suggests you dont know how tax brackets work. If youre in, say, the 25 tax bracket, not all of your income is taxed at 25; only the amount above the tax bracket threshold. Common misconception. 