I'm only 22 and have work for the company I'm at for 3 years. They offer a 401k like most places and will match you dollar for dollar up to either 3% or 5%. But I don't understand how to I guess invest it to make the most money? I hear people talk about safe and risky but I don't get. UUUHHH... I need help

Don't go crazy : one single Google search brought in the following links. Follow the links, read their explanations and advice, and good luck to you all the way to your retirement age ! ;)

https://401k.fidelity.com/

401(k) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

HowStuffWorks "How 401(k) Plans Work"

Is Your 401(k) Foolish? [Fool.com: 401(k)]

401k.org : PSCA's Public Education Site for 401(k) Plan Participants

3 Mistakes to Avoid With Your 401(k) - US News and World Report

401khelpcenter.com - 401(k) Plan Sponsors, Small Business, Employee Retirement Plans

Principal.com - 401k plans, mutual funds, insurance, investments

Invest FAQ: Retirement Plans: 401(k)

401khelpcenter.com - What is a 401k plan?

Success !

First, you should be contributing to your company 401(k) plan at least as much as will be matched by your employer - that's free money to you, and to not take advantage of it is a mistake.

Second, at your age you should be investing for the long term - after all your retirement isn't for another 40 years or so. During that time the stock market will go through several up cycles and down cycles. Don't make the mistake of thinking it best to wait things out until they get better, because you won't know when that is until it's already passed! So get in ASAP and take advantage of your employer's match. To keep things simple I suggest that if your company plan offers a fund that is geared specifically for someone your age you invest in that - these are sometimes called "life cycle funds." This one fund will give you a god diversity of both stocks and bonds, plus some international exposure, and as you get closer to retirement age will automatically rebalance to a more conservative mix. It's an excellent way to set your 401(k) plan up and leave the driving to others, so you won't have to worry whether you have the right mix.