+1 on Bucking Bar's post. Some do not realize that "qualified 401k" savings can be rolled to an IRA (and far above the $6500 per year IRS max) in order to purchase real estate via the Self Directed IRA. A rough estimate is about half of the 401k is qualified, but everyone is different. Buying a rental property for cash, with all proceeds returning to the IRA, and real estate gains over time, protects from stock market fluctuations. As always, dyodd and speak with qualified personnel.