so many decisions. 401k, invest, mortgage, college, emergency

[Account Closed]

Hi,

Me and my wife just moved to the US from the UK, and we're setting ourselves up financially. We're late to the game and should be more educated on the topic than we are, but that's where we are.

The issue we're having, is deciding how to use our cash. Specifically, these are the things I'm aware of that I need to consider:

1. 401k (contributing 15% currently, then employer adds too)
2. Emergency savings
3. investing (I know zero about this)
4. overpaying mortgage
5. childs college savings

The problem comes that we have no idea how best to spend the cash considering the above, and also with an eye on trying to retire early e.g. 55. Google helps zero here, because for every site recommending to do X, there are just as many recommending Y and Z.

So, if for example I have $1k spare a month, do I overpay my mortgage? pay extra in to 401k? split it up between a number of them? etc etc

Really hope someone may have suggestions as it's our #1 worry point in this new country.