how do i balance saving money for roth ira, 401k.. with spending money and getting women?

Saving is definitely important, and you WON'T regret that in a few years when you want to go back to school or buy a home. You also won't regret it when you're able to retire debt-free at 55, tops.

However, you will regret it if that's all you focus on. There's a lot to be said for the present. Think about all those sayings: "Carpe Diem", "There's no time like the present", "live like there's no tomorrow, because there may not be one." Etc. Etc.

The best thing you can do is compromise. For instance, at your age, you can leave the Roth IRA alone for now. Don't get rid of it- and if you find yourself with some extra cash once in a while, by all means, throw it in there. Contribute the maximum that your company will match into your 401(k). And save a pre-determined amount each month or each paycheck for shorter-term goals. You say you've got 5 or so years. If you save 100 bucks out of each paycheck assuming you get paid every two weeks, then you'd have 26k just in principle- forgetting whatever interest you earn on it.

Use the rest, after living expenses, to enjoy life. My husband and I live a very good life. We're currently living in a not-so-nice house so that we can save for our dream house, but still have money to travel and party with. Both of us contribute fully to our retirement plans, and we save about $3,000 per month on top of that. It can be done. It can be hard to budget at first, but once you get it right, you won't regret putting the time in.

Good luck in life... and on all those chicks. :0)

I don't think it is an all or nothing decision. Make up a budget, and set aside an amount for fun. The savings you are doing for retirement will be great as you get older. The confidence of having a nest egg and money you can rely on is very attractive to women.

You don't need lots of spending money to attract girls, and the best part of dating costs very little money. ;). Any girl who is with you just because of the money you spend on her is not worth a long term relationship.

I would say, keep your savings at at least 12% of your gross pay, maybe set a little more aside for your plan to buy a house, and use what is left to pay off debt and have fun.

There is a great book I recommend called "your money or your life". It is about trying to understand the balance between money and how much you have to work to pay for the things you want to own (and how the things you own can eventually own you through bills and debts if you are not careful. The book teaches a concept called "financial independence". That is when you have enough savings so that your investments generate so much money that you don't need to work anymore. You can retire,play, volunteer, or do nothing as you wish. IF that is a life you want for yourself, saving early in life and putting off luxuries is a good way to go about it.

statistically,plan on living to 72 or so...at least one permanent injury...now decide if you want to be secure,in a paid off home,and not have to work after 67,or live in a trailer and greet at Walmart untill you die