As an associate, it seems hard to max out a 401k, Roth, add towards and a savings, and still have money left over for life. What were your methods when making <100k/year (tech nyc market)

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The reality is that as an associate you likely cannot do all of that. Yet. The fact that you are thinking about it speaks volume. But at your stage in the game you have to make some choices about your priorities and where best to deploy your money.

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Do 6% 401k, then Max Roth, then what ever else you want into either investment account or 401k

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Focus on life but contribute up to the company match

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Aggressively paid off student loans in 2 years (parents paid for a significant chunk of school which helped). Don’t have a car. Live with many roommates just outside of the expensive parts of my city. Those are the big ones I can think of.

I made a budget a few years back and really tried to understand what things I buy really make me happy. I don’t have the latest and greatest tech, rarely eat out (when not on the road), tried to cut out unnecessary expenses, take advantage of credit card points, etc. I spend more on my hobbies and take time to enjoy life with friends. I discovered /r/financialindependence which helped me focus my savings and understand the importance of putting money aside.

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Moved out of NYC - cost of living is too high.

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I’m in the same boat, I maxxed out my Roth. Contribute 9% towards 401k, and continue to add to savings as well. Have student loans too so just have to be strict with budgeting I suppose

At this point in my life/salary curve I view my retirement and savings as one. I’ll gladly contribute to my Roth at a greater pace once I have a higher salary but right now I just max 401k, pay rent and let the rest go into one account

Thanks for all the replies. Does it make more sense to keep matching Roth and only do 10% to 401k? Or skip the Roth and put all that back in 401k?

As a counter point to what has been said so far, I am an associate maxing 401k, Roth, and HSA this year while contributing excess to a taxable account. I don’t live in NYC but another HCOL city.

P5 - I’m impressed where do you financially take away then? At associate salaries even an A3 you would have to contribute anywhere from 25-28% of your income to max a 401k. Not sure what your living expenses look like either

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