So far... all good answers...
Just to keep it simple... take the match... if nothing else, take the match... and, did I say, "take the match"?
Okay, it's only for one year at a time, but, a match is equivalent to a 100% guaranteed
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Good for you, Selah! You are not too old to get started. I agree with the comments above, so I won't rehash those. Here's what jumps out at me about your situation. You stated that you have not developed good savings habits.
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J, there are a gazillion answers to that. My colleagues have touched on some. Mostly, it depends on your goals or purpose for the money. If you don't have a specific purpose for the stock, you may want to leave it alone.
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