re: Invest in Roth IRA or 401k - first job

quote:

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So you are saying I should have an Emergency Fund separate from my IRA contribution?
Say my income limits me to choosing between investing in my IRA or putting money aside in an emergency fund, which is the more beneficial option?
I have seen differing opinions on this board.

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Your ROTH IRA is retirement, not your emergency fund.
Everyone's personal finance choices are different - but what I personally did was:

1) 401k to Match
2) 3 Month Emergency Fund
3) MAX ROTH IRA
4) MAX 401k
5) Taxable Long Play Investments
6) Risky Play Investments (think penny stocks)