[nunez]

I wish it were easier to contribute more to my 401k during specific pay periods.

Part of my income is commission-based. I could max out my 401k when I receive my commission. It would be easier for me to budget this way. Unfortunately, contribution is all-or-nothing, and changing one's contribution percentage takes a few pay periods to go into effect.

Another tip not mentioned re 401k: change your default elections! Brokerages will usually put 401k funds into expensive "target date" managed funds that usually don't perform better than much cheaper index funds. Many 401k plans will allow contributors to choose index funds.

[putlake]

Change your default elections - this is a great point. But I'm wary of giving out specific investment advice i.e. what to put your money in.