Why this is correct (Q17 — contribute enough to receive full employer match first): Employer matches are essentially an immediate and guaranteed return on the portion of your contribution that’s matched. If the employer will add, say, 50 cents per dollar up to a cap, you’re getting a 50% instantaneous return on the matched portion—far higher than typical market expectations over the short term and with no extra investment risk. For that reason, capturing the full employer match is commonly recommended as the first retirement-related priority when spare cash is limited: it maximizes the “free money” available from compensation. Other priorities (building an emergency fund, paying high-interest debt) also matter, but failing to capture an employer match is frequently leaving guaranteed value on the table.

Practical takeaway & sequencing guidance: Practically, set payroll deferrals to at least the percent needed to obtain the full match as soon as you’re able. If cash is extremely scarce, contribute at least enough to capture the match and simultaneously build a modest emergency fund so you don’t need to dip into retirement accounts. After matching, prioritize high-interest debt payoff or a fully funded emergency buffer depending on circumstances. Remember to check plan timing (some matches are calculated per pay period; others annualize or true-up) so you don’t miss the match by deferring unevenly through the year.