If you're not participating in your 401k try it. Take a paycheck right now, any paycheck, enroll in the 401k. Pick a number, any number, 2%, 3, 6 .... you can always change it later on and enroll.

Now look at your next paycheck.

Your take home pay may be the same or very little difference. The money going to your retirement was going to the tax man before. Even if you keep increasing the % out till it hurts you'll still be happy come tax time because you just reduced your taxable income.