“Putting money toward retirement wisely often means sequencing goals: capture guaranteed returns (like employer matches), build a small emergency fund so you won’t withdraw retirement money for short-term needs, and then increase longer-term retirement contributions or taxable investing. For example, contributing enough to get the full match gives you an immediate return, while a 3–6 month emergency fund reduces the risk that you’ll need to tap retirement savings early and pay taxes or penalties. After those two steps, continuing to increase retirement savings or diversify into taxable accounts makes sense depending on tax preference and goals. This simple, practical sequence is a beginner-friendly approach to balancing retirement saving with near-term financial safety.”