<prompt> Human: So heres the deal. People in my family usually work til they die and have nothing to show for it. I dont want that to be me so I need some help.My wife and I turned 30 earlier this year. We have some outstanding debt that were trying to pay down and make better decisions. Ive listed out our monthly income, expenses and obligations below that were taken right from our monthly budget hoping the members of this sub can help me. Two important things might be that we live in the Chicagoland area and we also own our home free and clear. Income after taxes: 5000Home expenses utilities, upkeep, etc: 1020Transportation vehicle payments, insurance, fuel: 320Monthly Living groceries, personal supplies, pets, etc: 680Student Loans: 85Student loans are about 15k total, 5k for me and about 10k for my wifeCredit Card: 415Credit card is about 10k at the default interest rate of 29.99Just last month we started a savings account to which we plan to contribute at least 100month.The company I work for does have a 401k I am eligible for through T. Rowe Price. This is what my company says about their matching. For every dollar you contribute up to 4 of your compensation base salary, commissions and bonuses Company will add 50 cents to your account per year, up to 2,000 per year. For example, an employee earning 100,000 who contributes 4 4,000, will have 50 of that matched the 2,000 cap. An employee earning 50,000 who contributes 8 still 4,000 in total dollars, will receive a 1,000 match since only 4 of the employees contribution counts towards the match.Id like to contribute to the 401k if at all possible without losing money while still being able to put money in savings and have cash left in the bank for incidental stuff or being able to take the wife out to dinner. Thanks again and please let me know if there is anything else I can provide that might help you help me.Edit for some clarification: Wife had no income until this year and my income was substantially less over the last 5 years.Also just set the 401k for the 4 contribution.  <response>: Youre worried about the wrong thing. Yes, you should contribute to your 401k. At least get the match. But...Youre spending an additional 2,480 each month you didnt include in your post.Thats a way bigger issue. You cant possibly know how much to contribute to a 401k when 30K is being spent and you have no idea where its going. 