>Most people only get access to 401(k) plans through an employer, and the only reason it’s worthwhile for them is for the employer match (asset growth won’t be

>Most people only get access to 401(k) plans through an employer, and the only reason it’s worthwhile for them is for the employer match (asset growth won’t be meaningful, particularly compared with inflation). It's tax deferred, too, which is pretty important. Even if you don't think asset growth is significant (and it usually is significant... it's just not guaranteed or predictable) In your peak earning years, you are making a bunch of money (hopefully) and therefore paying a bunch in taxes. In your retirement, well, maybe you'll be making a lot of money, in which case, paying taxes isn't such a big deal, or maybe you won't be making very much money at all, in which case, you won't have to pay very much in taxes on that money. At least if you are where I am, making good money (and paying good taxes) but don't have a huge amount stashed away, stashing pre-tax money has huge benefits over stashing post-tax money. (If you do stash post-tax money, check into the roth IRA; it means you won't pay taxes when you take it out. Of course, you can only directly contribute to a roth ira if you don't make much money... but the 'backdoor roth' is something to ask your tax professional about... and if you earn enough that you can't contribute to a roth ira, you should have a tax professional. I personally recommend the 'enrolled agent' credential) I think the only time you don't want to max out your tax-advantaged savings palan is if you aren't making enough money to max out your tax-advantaged plans and save enough short term money.