Mid 30s, HCOL, likely getting fired in ~60 days. Should I stop 401k contributions? Any other tips here?
Trying to think clearly instead of emotionally.
Current situation:
Income:
- ~$7-10k/month take-home after taxes/401k
- Currently contributing ~$1.1k per biweekly pay period to 401k
- Employer match is 50%
Assets:
Illiquid:
~$100k home equity (rental - slightly cash flow negative)
mid-six figures in private company equity (illiquid for at least a year)
~$250k in retirement accounts (illiquid till 65)
Liquid:
~$50k cash
~$30k taxable investments/crypto
Expenses:
- ~$7-10k/month (this is high and can be reduced but have some specific circumstances that make this hard to reduce below $5-6k)
I’m on a 60-day PIP and expect termination . Assume no severance.
I have strong experience, but the market feels rough and I’m mentally trying to prepare for a potentially long job search.
Would you:
continue maxing 401k for the match
reduce contributions significantly
temporarily stop contributions and prioritize liquidity/runway
My instinct is cash preservation, but it feels wrong to walk away from a 50% match.
Also, anything else that I should do right now to prep for a long search?