The problem arises when you don't have any money to save. Also there is often a barrier to getting an account for an IRA. Scottrade is $500. That's a lot of mon

The problem arises when you don't have any money to save. Also there is often a barrier to getting an account for an IRA. Scottrade is $500. That's a lot of money for a welfare recipient. Also at least in the US, we test total assets for access to social programs (http://www.heritage.org/welfare/commentary/passing-the-asset-test-food-stamps http://www.heritage.org/welfare/commentary/passing-the-asset...). If you have too much money, the state expects you to deplete those retirement funds, with the various fees and taxes, before you're eligible. If all of your savings is in the IRA, well, I guess starve or steal?