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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]You make 300k and can't save 18k for retirement? [/quote]
The question is about prioritizing savings: does one prioritize saving for a down payment over saving for retirement?

In this case, the critical point is that there is not employer match. If OP was leaving money on the table it would be one thing, but OP is not. Therefore, I don't see how it is possible to distinguish retirement savings from the sum total of all owned assets at retirement. A primary residence is and should be a part of that equation. Even if it is not a great investment for historic returns, it is a forced savings vehicle.

Dear OP, don't listen to these people. Money is fungible. You are not leaving money on the table. Saving for a down payment is saving for retirement. Relax.[/quote]

No.  The fact op can't save 18k on 300k is a relevant question and a very serious one.  How on earth can op even save for retirement if his or her finances are in such a wreck?  How can op save for home repairs and unexpected expenses if he or she can not save 18k a year?  Not to mention this is one of the few tax breaks op earns at her income level.  My taxes were closer to 40 percent when living in NY.  I put every penny I could in my 401k.  It's a great deal to be able to save on a pretax basis.

Op needs to do some serious soul searching and number crunching and make some significant changes so that she has the money to save for retirement and purchase a home.  Both are very important for long term financial health.  [/quote]

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