Les Ismore

Here's some steps I would consider:

1. Definitely stop the $50 Roth contribution and use the funds to get more of the employer matching funds. This assumes you will stay at your job until vested. If you seriously think you'll leave before vesting, maxing the employer match isn't as critical. You may want to ask your HR department whether they have gradual vesting (e.g. 20% year) or "cliff" vesting (e.g. all at once after 2 years). If the former, you may have some % vesting already.

2. Consider a "balance transfer" of your credit card debt to a lower rate ("for life") card. If you do this, be sure not to use the card for any new purchases as they will fall behind the transferred balance special offer. Actually, call your current credit card company and just ask for a lower rate. Tell them you're looking at doing a balance transfer and see if they can do anything for you. It's worth the call. If you can lower the interest component of your credit card payment, you can use the money to either pay down the balance faster or, ramp up your 401k contribution.

3. The market likely is a good buy now, but no one really knows. More important, I think, is the fact that you're 28. Getting money socked away and compounding in a retirement account now will payoff nicely when your 65.

4. Scrutinize your spending to find outlays that can be cut to free up resources for the 401k. Cable TV? Dining out? Work hard at freeing up cash to get more of the employer contribution.

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