Some readers keep the faith in their 401(k)s

Some of you are true believers in your 401(k), despite the stock market's recent ups and (mostly) downs.

Others are much less confident about the future of that particular investment vehicle.

Many readers responded to recent columns on 401(k)s and whether they think now is a good time to "buy low" and build good returns in the future or the time to get out of the market before it goes down even more.

A reader named Michael said he is willing to ride out the storm.

"I have 4 years left before retirement," Michael wrote in an e-mail. "I will have a $600 a month pension from my company, Social Security and what will be left of the 401(k) that wasn't too bad until the last few months.

"My philosophy is patience. Get out now and you are a sure loser. The market likely will recover again. If it doesn't, then I'll work a few years longer. But I agree with those who have said to have faith and tend to those things we know are right. It will work out in the end."

Such positive feelings are rare these days, but perhaps more of us should develop a little faith. A reader who posted an online comment sure didn't.

"Why put (money) in a 401(k)? Taking the tax hit now seems cheaper than taking possibly a bigger tax hit at retirement and the chance of stock market crashing then," wrote someone writing under the headline "Biggest Question."

Another online poster, Leonard, followed a different path with his money.

"When I saw the market start to drop toward the end of 2007, I made sure all my 401(k) was in short-term 'cash,' " Leonard wrote. "Since then, my 401(k) has risen 4 percent annually.

"My boy kept his in high-risk stocks, and he is sitting at a 55 percent loss right now for the last year. Obama says this quarter will be no better than last quarter, so why would I want my 401(k) in stocks?"

Other posters were even more political.

Someone going by the name GTO wrote: "When the Democrats took back Congress majority, I got out of the stock market, because I knew what would happen to the stock market. I am very glad I did! Word to the wise: whenever Democrats are in power, investors beware!"

Another online poster, under the heading of "socialism," wrote: "Within a year, Obama will have shut down your 401(k) plan and will have taken your hard-earned dollars to fund all of his 'PORK' in his new stimulus package.

"CHANGE. You wanted change. You're about to have none!"

I think it's a bit early to worry about President Obama stealing our 401(k) funds. We'll have to see how his stimulus and spending plans play out over time.

But I remain interested in your thoughts on 401(k)s and whether you are willing to stay the course, hoping for a return to rising markets. Please send your comments, or financial questions, to gkratz@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

E-MAIL: gkratz@desnews.com