• TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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    19 hours ago

    I learned the hard way that 401k is a scam.
    Just put money in a savings account, people.

      • grue@lemmy.world
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        17 hours ago

        The part where it’s defined-contribution instead of defined-benefit.

        To be perfectly honest, I personally am better served with a 401(k): I’m in an above-average earning career (engineering), have lived well below my means, and am financially literate.

        But most people are not like me. Frankly, the average worker in the US is either not competent or not disciplined enough to both actually contribute enough and invest it properly, and so as a nation we’re careening towards a disaster of geriatric poverty the likes of which hasn’t been seen since before Social Security was invented.

        So yeah, the American working class was definitely scammed when pensions were replaced with 401(k)s. But hell, even if you don’t understand the actual differences and implications, you could also tell it’s fishy even just by the fact that the execs were so eager to switch over!

        • Shiggles@sh.itjust.works
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          19 hours ago

          Definitely some form of financial illiteracy which is certainly unfortunate but not to the detriment of all 401ks

          • baines@lemmy.cafe
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            19 hours ago

            it kinda is in that 401ks should not allow that pro job / anti worker bullshit

            it’s crazy how we as a society allow all that obvious gatcha type rules just to help rich fucks get richer

              • baines@lemmy.cafe
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                19 hours ago

                oh for sure I agree with you and it is likely his own fault but I do sympathize with his frustration

                • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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                  19 hours ago

                  How is adding money every paycheck to an account with the promise of it being there later my fault?

                  • baines@lemmy.cafe
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                    3 hours ago

                    depends on what part you are upset with

                    stock selection, interest, market fluctuation, vestment dates or withdrawal age

                    you’re being so purposely obtuse no one has any idea what you are complaining over

      • IninewCrow@lemmy.ca
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        19 hours ago

        The assumption that you’re going to live to a ripe old age and still remember your own name.

        • UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
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          16 hours ago

          “Don’t plan for tomorrow because you might not live through today” is a great way to die horribly tomorrow.

          • Loss@sh.itjust.works
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            15 hours ago

            That’s cute but guaranteed if you’re under 30. If you’re under 40, you’re going to lose any and everything you save.

    • Gerudo@lemm.ee
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      18 hours ago

      Bruh, it’s pretax dollars in an account that 9 times out of 10 out performs interest rates. Even in huge downturns, it will bounce back thanks to stock market goes brrrrrrrrr

        • IMongoose@lemmy.world
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          15 hours ago

          If you tried to use it in like 2009 then ya. But if you kept it until now it would be doing great.

          • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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            14 hours ago

            Obviously it’s doing “great”. That’s why I’m saying what im saying… Seriously? 2009?

            • Gerudo@lemm.ee
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              48 minutes ago

              If you’re saying you’re that 1 out of 10, then you made it sound like you lost money. Now you say your 401k is doing great? I’m sorry, I don’t understand the point you’re trying to make.

              And yes, 09 was a shit show for 401ks/market value.

              • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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                38 minutes ago

                What are you talking about? I never said it was doing great. I airqouted it, man. I’m done with all of this.

            • IMongoose@lemmy.world
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              15 hours ago

              Ya you were scammed or we’re not getting the full story. If it was a real 401k it’s composed of diverse stocks and bonds and stuff and if it hit 0 the US wouldn’t really exist. Unless you were self managing and put it all into a company that stopped existing or something.

              • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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                14 hours ago

                Every job for 34+ years, put money in every paycheck. Become disabled. Look in 401k, there’s not enough for even one months rent.

                I call that bullshit. I don’t care what everyone here thinks. You’re all smart asses until you find out.

                You might get two months rent after 65 years! Whoooo

                • Clent@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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                  13 hours ago

                  You’re math here isn’t working out. Were you putting less than a dollar a paycheck? Did you have one employer the entire time.

                  Assuming you did not, when you changed job did you roll over the previous 401k into a Ira or spend it? Even if you ignored the paperwork, the money should still be out there somewhere.

                  • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
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                    13 hours ago

                    Yeah dude. What job let’s you put less than a dollar in? Id love to hear that. The money is not there. I suggest you look at yours.