<prompt> Human: Im formulating my budget after my first two paychecks from my first career job. I graduated in May and I had a lot of plans for paying back my loans, but after finding out Im having almost 850 taken from my check every two weeks Im feeling a bit hurt. Maybe this is just reality. Do I have to pay into a 401k? At this point I would so much rather have that money with me to pay off my loans. I could find cheaper insurance but it would be my luck to have some sort of accident if I got rid of the stuff I have through work. Maybe this is a stupid question for this sub. Im sorry if so. I just feel dejected and not at all how I planned on life being after graduating.  <response>: You can elect to have less taken out for income taxes. That wont change your taxes due, but might change whether you get a refund or owe money.401k payroll deductions are voluntary. 