I need ALL of your input - ages 18 to 122 (oldest recorded person)

Get a 401k or not?

My family tree dies at about the age of 49-75. I only remember my great grandma reaching to 75. She is the only one who got that old so does it really count as a limit? I'd say it caps around 70 tops for us. Retirement age is 65, right?

With that in mind, my company matches 401k contributions up to 3% (basically free money added on the amount you put in....EXCEPT:

My 401k company said I can't touch my contributions until I reach 65 or have a life altering event.

But... see... it's my money. I don't like putting my money into a place I can't access my money.

A 401k seems like it's built on hopes and dreams.

Sure the people who live to 100 have a great....life....

I don't think I will live that long. Based on statistics I definitely won't.

I want to enjoy my (under 70s) youth while I can... which means putting more in my checking, and less storing it where I can't get it.

Remember this isn't about savings. I do keep a small portion of my check for that. This is about an untouchable 401k.

The question is.... Why do you store money you can't access? Do you realize your life could end at any moment? For any reason? Even just one wayward car, a person looking at their phone one second too long? BAM.

I do have therapy Monday

yikes.

I have just lost the plot

Lost the purpose.

Even the laughing moments seem generic.

boring

I just don't get why I would put my money somewhere I can't immediately get it.