tcjensen

True, but if you really know business and can tell what's wrong and know how to fix and flip it, it's less risky than ignorantly investing in real estate. Just depends what you know. Knowledge reduces risk

Krialis

Even if your company does not match, still put in some money towards it. If they match a certain amount, then max it up!!

hirev

you may if you wish do a self directed roth or traditional IRA. I have found that makes more income than if just left in someone else's idea of what to invest in, more risk and more return, imho. I have both IRA's and they are self directed. I can trade 100 times a month free with merril lynch and I trade allot, I am a home investor as a hobby of 15 years and I tend to take risks and get rewarded, although tax free or deferred, but income for some future time.

the traditional IRA is really good when you are paying allot of taxes, the Roth if not. Real estate would be a better investment depending on where you are living . I have done that too, but it takes more work and start money and living in the right area.

toplessPolak

Curious as to why no one here has mentioned the 457(b) plan, 80% of my coworkers chose that over a 401k plan.