[pennywise]

Remeber that retirement monies, is as I say, government controlled money. They tell you when to withdraw, etc. We no longer particiapte in government controlled accounts. I prefer to be in control of my own destiny. Thanks to 401's, etc we lost a bundle in this last turn (we are older - more savings in investments). All employer match, all earnings, and some principal lost because you cannot touch the money. Thus, I will control my fate. It will take 20 years to recover what was lost. Be careful what you read and believe. Remember bias, who is telling you, and why? Did you know they are now going to make it "opt out" of 401's. Not only that I do not think an employer should decide where you invest. There may be kick back involved, etc. I do not think my employer has my best interest at heart. So, recently I have put more into savings bonds and CDs. The stocks will sit and grow, but I will not add to a stock retirement account. I will fund DRIPs - exxon, p&G, Ge, and other great companies have DRIPS.