Would you contribute to a 401k/Roth IRA, or not?

[David Fernandez]

My wife's employer offers what seems a good retirement plant. If she contributes to her 401k/Roth IRA 3% of her basic salary, the employer will contribute the same 3%, plus an additional 1% of her basic pay. For example, let's say she makes $100,000. She will contribute annually $3,000 (3%) and the employer will contribute $4,000 (4%).

Would you take advantage of this plan or would you rather do something else (SIDRA, solo 401k, invest it directly without going through any retirement plan vehicle, etc.)?

[Shawn M.]

Too many newbees are on the BP blog and fall for the trap of taking the shiny nickel. Putting the money in a 401k is a horrible idea if your goal is to be out of the rat race before 65 yo. It's only free money if you live to 65 and the investment doesn't implode or get eaten up by advisor fees. Invest in real estate!