How much do you put into your 401(k)?

[friesianrider]

I'm just wondering, as my 50-year-old mother just told me she isn't contributing any to hers, in favor of supporting her husband's do-nothing, pay-for-nothing attitude. She claims to not even know what to put into it, so I'm just wondering what the norm is to be taken out of each paycheck or every week (she gets paid every 2 weeks)?

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. Fuck that. The norm is ALL YOU CAN!

Whatever you can possibly put into it, put into it. The absolute maximum.

And also put the absolute maximum you can into your Roth IRA.

[friesianrider]

5. That's what I thought, too.

I watch Suze Orman all the time like a total nutcase, and that's what she advises. It seems like common sense to me - don't know too many places that offer that kind of a return on your money.

[motely36]

2. I put in what my company matches

which happens to be 6%.

Does your mother have a company match?

[friesianrider]

4. Far as I know..

It is 50%. I keep asking her to let me know when she finds anywhere else that will offer that kind of return on her money (sure as shit isn't her good for nothing husband). It just seems absurdly foolish and downright stupid to not be contributing ANYTHING.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Don't have one

[bigwillq]

7. Me neither

I should put into mine but the cheapO company I work for, I just can't live if I had to have any more money taken out even though the money is going to be for my future.

[neuvocat]

9. Likewise.

I've never really thought too highly of so-called "investments" which are often nothing more than an incentive by companies to recoup some of their operating costs (aka "salaries").

[Cathyclysmic]

6. put in the max your company will allow

[yellowdogintexas]

8. at least the max the employer will match. At least!

More if possible.

If she is shy about how to invest it, there are always lots of options in managed funds available.

[Spock_is_Skeptical]

10. Don't have one :(

[GOPNotForMe]

11. Up to the match!!!

That is guaranteed FREE money that is being thrown away every year! Imagine if you had an investment with a GUARANTEED 50 percent return (or even 25 percent guaranteed is GREAT) - that's what's being thrown away! I will never understand why people don't contribute at least up to the match. I would get into credit card debt just to be able to keep up with the match.