401(k)aos for Early Financial Freedom

[Neil S.]

Today I finished the book 401(k)aos by Andy Tanner. I will be graduating college and starting a full time job in the spring of 2018, and with that brings starting a retirement plan with a potential employer. I understand that most people will say to get the employer match and nothing more from a retirement program such as a 401k, but i feel that this advice has been geared towards someone who already has an account. My goal, like many on the site, is for early financial freedom. Does putting any of this money away in a retirement account where it cannot be reached until "retirement" age at 59-1/2 years deter the goal of early financial freedom? I feel that this money might be better served in a more liquid state to actively invest to achieve this goal.

Some points for discussion:

1. Is there a cutoff you believe where taking the match is not worth it? For example, is a 3% match not worth starting a 401k but a 6%+ is?

2. There is an "immediate" gain on the investment by the employer match but does withdrawing this money at normal income rate offset this? does anyone have any examples of calculations where this may be the case?

3. Would completely deferring the retirement plan for investing in stocks, options, and funds that are taxed at a capital gains rate along with real estate be wise?

Please let me know any input you may have on any of these subjects. Obviously no one choice is right for everybody, and I was wondering if people's advice would change for someone who has not yet opened a 401k account.

Neil Schlimgen