Shelton 401(k) Pro-Tip #2: Make Every Effort to Budget for a Meaningful 401(k) Contribution.
Beyond starting your 401(k) as early as you can, nothing's more important to its long-term success than how much you contribute. If you can’t make a large contribution, at least start with an amount to get the free matching and raise the amount every year in line with your pay raise if you can.