STD and 401k contributions

[boiler717]

After the baby I will be on STD for 4-6 weeks at $1500/wk (less than 50% of base salary). I've been debating anyways about decreasing 401k contributions and wondering if I should during maternity leave to give an extra cash flow cushion during that time. My normal 401k contribution would be $1600ish/mo, so around 25% of my pre-tax pay during that time.
Part of the reason why I've been thinking of decreasing anyways is that last year failed the discrimination test and had $2500 refunded in March. If my contribution limit will be lower again, it would be nice to have that money during leave and not having it held. I won't know if I failed this year by the time I have to make a decision. We are 31/33 and have 1.33x salary in retirement. I think we need to focus more on non-retirement investments but have cash flowed our DP and fertility expenses the past 3 years which had eaten up a lot of that money (that accounts for over $120k in spending over 3 years). We may do another IVF cycle in early 2017 as well.
If I did suspend for leave, it would have to be for the entire quarter. I could adjust for the rest of the year and either fully Max in those 9 months (vs the 11 I do normally, so not a huge change monthly), or I would know the amount I was able to contribute for 2015. My annual raise kicks in March 1, so it may be a wash vs what I currently take home.
I also have to make a decision before knowing my bonus which will be paid out at the end of the year. I know my boss asked for an extra 2 weeks salary in mine to cover my STD but they are not guaranteed.
Any advice welcome!

[boiler717]

Nov 25, 2015 14:08:53 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Are you saying $1500/week is less than 50% of what you normally make/week? So you normally make over 3k/week? If this is accurate, I think 6k/mos is still a lot of cash flow, I guess it depends on your bills.

Yes, I know on paper we can afford it without dipping into savings but I'm all paranoid about losing that amount of income. I probably just need to chill.

[boiler717]

Wait, I may have done that math wrong at some point because it's a little more than 50% gross, not less. Maybe it's my take home that will be reduced by 50%. Anyways, go with around 50% for a rough guess.

[boiler717]

Nov 25, 2015 14:13:43 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Nov 25, 2015 14:12:40 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

Yes, I know on paper we can afford it without dipping into savings but I'm all paranoid about losing that amount of income. I probably just need to chill.

Does this include both of you incomes, or is it just yours? If it is just yours I wouldn't do anything except maybe budget for a bit:) 

I'm worried we will be bleeding money with take out, baby expenses, Christmas gifts, etc. Ideally we should just budget stricter but I'm guessing I will give two seconds thought to a budget immediately post baby.

[boiler717]

Nov 25, 2015 14:17:04 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Nov 25, 2015 14:14:25 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

Wait, I may have done that math wrong at some point because it's a little more than 50% gross, not less. Maybe it's my take home that will be reduced by 50%. Anyways, go with around 50% for a rough guess.

Ok, so this is combined income? 

No just mine