Ultimately, the market has been setup to almost mandate participation. If you work someplace that provides a matching 401k program, and you choose not to contr

Ultimately, the market has been setup to almost mandate participation. If you work someplace that provides a matching 401k program, and you choose not to contribute, then you're passing-up on matched dollars if you don't contribute to a 401k. If you're a part of any endowment, pension plan, or other managed retirement plan there's a good chance that plan (and your money) is being invested in the market. So what are your options? Do you not contribute to a 401k or IRA, pay the full tax rate on all of your income today, and invest in real estate or some other investment?