Is there a better way to save for retirement than a 401K?

Short answer: no. As long as your company is matching, you will not find a better deal anywhere. Find out the maximum that they will match (for example, 100% up to 5% of your income) and contribute AT LEAST that amount. Your employer match is *literally* free money!! Do not leave any of that on the table!!

Next, I highly recommend that you head down to your local library or book store and pick up one or two books on investing/retirement planning basics. This stuff isn't all that complicated, but it is VERY important to know.

I hope that helps. Good luck!!

There is no such thing as a Roth IRA using a 401K plan.

Best option is to invest up to the 3% matching amount.

Then open a Roth IRA with a mutual fund company such

as Fidelity or Vanguard. A company representative will help

you get started. You are allowed to invest up to $5,000

a year in the Roth IRA. Then if you still have more money

that you would like to invest, go back to the 401K and

invest to the allowed maximum.

If you are a youing person, go for all the risk you think you

can handle.

For an employee, an employer sponsored 401k with a Company-match is your best bet.

Here's what you should do:

1. Contribute at least 3% to your company 401k and receive the match. Invest very conservatively because you have already earned a 100% return on your investment. Protect that.

2. Contribute the maximum allowed to a Roth IRA. Use "safe" investments. Target a 4% to 5% return.

The biggest problem is that you will never be able to have a comfortable retirement if you are only putting away 3% of your income (even if your company is matching 3% = total 6%), it's difficult for that to accumulate to much.

If you are making $50K that's only $3000 a year. I bet you spend that in 2 months right now or less.

You are going to need to contribute more to yoru 401K, add a ROTH and probably use non-retirement means to fund your retirement - like real estate, general mutual funds, etc.

Start reading Money magazine. It is very "user friendly" and is geared towards the personal investor.

You need all of them,..For Risk concerns and diversity..

Take the highest percent you can manage,..6% would still be 30% off,..(If it's a a stock with a promising future?)

Research the funds in the 401k , so that you're certain you're in the Best Fund,..and best,..Bang for your buck..