What are your thoughts on 401K's? Can one actually retire with one?

Anyone?

They're for suckers.

Take the money and run before Obama and our broke goverment does. JK. Here's something that might help but in the current climate seems dated.

[link to www.smartmoney.com]

Just depends, whether you are invested or not? Then what percentage and if the employer is matching?

Options, is a Roth 401k available? Some say Ponzi scheme, to each their own. The majority of American (non government employees) will need to work until they die. But it depends on how hard they want to work? Contribute some, at least to obtain all of the matching funds.

If your employer matches 6% of your deposit, 12% will be applied 6% yours/ 6% theirs. If you invest, decide what you are willing to risk? If you want all dividends from your 6% free of all taxes, do the Roth.

The employer match is not allowed into a Roth 401-k.

I do 50/50 - aggressive/income producing.

Having a 401-k will allow one to not depend on a highly demanding job when one is 70 years old. Or living paycheck to paycheck.

Sure you can...you just can't live in debt for 40 years and then expect to retire on it...

I would think that if you had $3 mil tucked away you would be okay. Don't forget that inflation during all those years has been eroding your purchasing power. If one lives sensibly for a long period of time I would think that $1.5 mil would currently suffice. The problem is 401 Ks are usually tied to the stock or bond markets in one way or another and that is at best precarious.

No offense buddy, but WHERE IN THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN in the last 2 years?

401k's were specifically designed to relieve you of your money. The USA is going to suffer a financial collapse. You will NEVER see your money. By the time you retire, there will be a totally different system in place. You will be viewed as a useless eater and dealt with accordingly.

Keep your little bit of contribution and buy tangible things that will FEED YOU and provide clean water. Water first, food second.

Mark my words, if you fail to take this advice, you will not be able to live a life anywhere near what you envision.

Peace...........

OP, type 401K in Search at the top of this page. You'll find many threads on the topic. Peace :)

Thanks for the input everyone! I live within my means and do contribute 15% each month to a 401k. It is a sacrifice, but IF things go well I could one day enjoy some sense of security. Sometimes I wonder though...