Tough decisions? Do what’s best for you, but here’s what financial planning experts generally recommend:
Contribute as much as you can to your 401(k). Try to save at least six percent of your pay, so you receive the full six percent match from OC … you also receive a two percent company contribution regardless of whether you contribute. This helps build your nest egg for retirement. (Some grandfathered employees may get different contributions.)
Make the Health Savings Account (HSA) your second priority. Consider saving at least enough each year to cover your deductible — or even your out-of-pocket maximum. If you don’t use the money now, you can use it in the future. It rolls over year after year, and you can invest it tax-free to help you pay medical expenses in the future.
Contribute to your Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) account if you can save any more. You get a 15 percent discount on OC stock, which is like an immediate 15 percent return on your investment.