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When I was eligible, I contributed the percentage equal to the company match, 6%.

I have one and they match 3%.

Yes. My company matches up to 7.5%, and employees are considered fully vested after 3 years of employment.

Company matches 6%... I put in 10%.

My company matches 3%, and I just became eligible for the matching in April. Although I have yet to start contributing.....something I really need to do!

My job just gives us 20% in our 401k and 403b as part of our benefits package. This means that employees do not need to worry about contributing at all if they don't want to. We still do, but it is really nice not to have to worry about saving and knowing that everything we put away on top of the employer benefit is gravy.

I work for a state University so I have a 403b which I'm required to contribute 10% to (I don't pay into social security). The University puts in 13% additionally.

@Mrs. Jacks: What the what!!! So Jealous of your company's contribution to your 401k! That's AMAZING!

yup! I started with 10% when I got my job 7 years ago so I never missed it from my paycheck. I can't remember what percentage the hospital matches (probably not a whole lot), but I'm sure that someday we'll be glad to have those savings. I think DH contributes a similar amount.

I put in 10% and my husband puts in 15% at our job. Our employer (my FIL) no longer matches. I've been dying to open a Roth IRA, but we keep having unexpected bills, that keep preventing me from biting the bullet.

Company matches 3% and I put in 3%. Same with DH's company. We have a separate Roth IRA that we're putting extra money into though.

It's all a little confusing to me - this is definitely DH's territory!

I work at a public university but have a high enough coded position that I don't have to participate in the state plan. I contribute 6%, they put in 8%. Those are mandated amounts, so if I want to save more, I have to get my own investment vehicle.

@Mrs. Jacks: Yes, that's so awesome!! Out of curiosity, how big is your company?

They match up to 5% if you put in 6%, I just do the minimum 4% and they match 3%.

I participate. They put in 5% regardless of what I put in.

ETA: I max my contributions out every year.

@regberadaisy: I'm not that well-versed on this and I'm sure there are more differences than the main one that I know, which is that 403bs are used by non-profits, schools, and religious organizations. I think they are cheaper to administer than 401ks.

@Mrs. Jacks: Good link. I didn't realize there was a limit to how much you could contribute to a 401k or 403b in a year.

@regberadaisy: You'll be better off in the long run if you invest up to your employer match, and use the rest to pay bills.

If your employer offers a match, you should contribute to your 401k up to that level, otherwise you are leaving money on the table.

Ex - if your employer matches up to 6%, then contribute 6%, and put the rest of the money you would have saved to bills.

Does this make sense?

I put in about 6%, and our company matches 3% of that. I might change it up when LO comes, but at this point I'm not missing the cash because I'm used to it not being there. My husband hasn't been contributing to his, so he really needs to get on that.

My company matches 6% and I contribute 8%. I would definitely advise you not to forego contributing to your 401K, even if you have a lot of bills to pay. It is basically like free money for retirement and it may seem crippling right now, but honestly it never seems like a good idea to forego part of your paycheck! My accountant actually told me to max mine out every year because it reduces my taxable income and I'm taxed over 40% to begin with. I don't do this because I wouldnt' be able to pay my mortgage, but at least contributing what your employer matches is always the best idea.