I'm way above average according to this article, but the idea of relying on 401(k)s for retirement has bothered me for a long time. klein - I believe you and I have discussed this, actually, in passing. I don't trust that 401(k)s basically rely on the market forever and always trending upwards thereby guaranteeing your initial investment will be reliably worth that much more over time.

I do absolutely believe 401(k)s became popular because they are so less expensive to employers than pensions, and that possibly everyone has been sold on theories regarding market and investment as opposed to what will actually happen.

I don't know. I have a 401(k) and I contribute what, apparently, is "far above average" - according to this article - so clearly I buy in on some level, but I guess when faced with "doing something that might be beneficial if/when I retire" vs. "not," well, it's no choice at al and I'm going to have to go with the first over nothing.

I wish this article was longer and talked more about other potential flaws in 401(k)s besides just the simple fact that people aren't putting (enough) money into them. I think there are more flaws than that.