Invest in 401k or save as cash?

[Sienna Parker]

Hello everyone! Amidst these uncertain times I’m assessing my savings and investment plan and strategy.

I joined the workforce almost two years ago at a company that does 401k matching 50¢ to every $1 up to the federal limit. Putting 20% of my paycheck, I’m able to max my 401k and get an additional ~$9,500 from my company with their match.

However, I also want to save enough for a down payment to buy my first property as soon as possible. I could save a lot more if I wasn’t contributing as much to my 401k. Yet my company’s match is basically free investment money (equivalent to ~10% of my salary) that’s hard to give up.

What would you suggest I do? Keep my contributions or allocate more to liquid cash for real estate investment?