Readers give more yeas and nays on 401(k)s

"You don't work for CNBC, do you? Do you have any idea how often people have said to 'buy now while prices are low' recently? Low compared to what? Certainly not as low as they're going to get," Earl wrote.

"I saw this recession coming, so I played it 'safe.' I've been getting about 3-4 percent annual return in my 401(k), which is below the inflation level, so I'm still losing money. But I think I'm better off than people who think they're buying low. Good luck with that!"

Despite such doubts, it appears that many people are leaving their money in 401(k) plans, although they may be changing the investments they're choosing. And that seems like a good idea to me.

I have left my 401(k) alone during this downturn, banking on the fact that I'm not yet 40 years old and have many, many work years ahead of me that will include many, many ups and downs in the market.

I hope I'm correct in my assumptions. And I hope your investment plans work out, too, whether you're trying to buy low now or waiting for more carnage in the markets.

If you have more thoughts on this topic, please let me know. Send them and any financial questions or comments to gkratz@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

E-MAIL: gkratz@desnews.com