I just rolled over my 401(k) into an IRA CD at my credit union.

I was absolutely willing to hold on to the 401(k) -- it was still being managed by the company I worked for 6 years ago, and I was content with the Wachovia account.

But my former employer switched investment companies. My new option was to continue to leave it, and, due to it's small size (which is not increasing, since I don't work for the company any more), I would be charged $25 however often, or to roll it over.

Two years ago it was worth almost twice as much as it is now. I didn't want to cash out when the stocks were low. I'm young, I have time on my side. But it was get eaten by fees as well as the economy, or eliminate my fees and keep what I have.

I hate choices like that. It's the story of my limited investing life. Bad or worse.

Even with the hit the accounts took with the stock market tanking, it would be much more preferable to pull out now, and put the money into hard assets. You can buy a condo in the Las Vegas area for $20,000 right now, and that appears to be more "on sale" than stocks.

Even if you have to pay the 10% penalty to get your money out of an IRA, or old 401k account, you will pay much less now than where taxes are going with Obamba.

Additionally, you will be better hedged against the hyperinflation that all of Obama's spending will generate. So, if you were counting on a 401k to retire on, after the exhorbatant taxes and inflation, you may be able to buy a loaf of bread from the bread line. Much better to get a positive cash flow from a rental unit.

The wise will prepare.