Some of the responses here are pretty idiotic. One only "loses" their 401K if they cash out for less than they put in. That would be pretty hard to do and take a special kind of stupid. Anyone who doesn't at least match the company match is another kind of special stupid. The market historic rise is averaged out over what's known as "The American Century." It probably won't do as well this century but on the other hand it's silly to think there won't be positive returns either. I'll buy you guys a cup of coffee in thirty years when I see you st Starbucks.