I would put half in gold, half in foreclosures and the other half in food and supplies (ammo, toilet paper, canned good, medical supplies, gasoline)
The the remaining in a storage and survival bunker
Wait and see what the lame duck congress does on Bush Tax Cuts. You should know around first week in December.
You did not provide enough information.
In general, do not cash out your 401 until you can do so without penalty.
This money is for the future, not the here and now.
I’m out! It’s in MY grubby hands now! The gubermint can’t touch it!
Remember one thing: it's all a fraud.
They will pump up the stock market again. You're balance will look good, it's just that the dollars will be worthless, and that will be the case no matter where you put it.
If you’re worried about a market crash, most 401k plans have more conservative investment options to move into, but it depends on the plan.
If you’re more concerned about a government raid of retirement accounts, I am a bit more confident that the new freshmen in the House won’t let that happen unless it’s done in a lame-duck session.
I think the only reason I would consider doing something like that would be to pay off my house.
http://www.tsptalk.com/funds.html
Even with inflation looming, preserving even 80% of yr capital capital is probably better than facing another sudden big stock/bond crash
Is your 401K in a fund where you can move funds around quickly and on your own decisions? If not, rollover to one that you monitor and manage hands-on, do not depend on (an pay fees to) “money managers” unless they protected you in 2008. Ours did nothing but watch the sleigh go down the track.
If lame duck congress doesn't extend current tax code by December recess, then run the numbers to see if it makes sense to cash out by Dec 31, or stick it out in cash for several years ahead
Pay attention to managing your debt and paying it off- that is extra income in your pocket the govt can't touch
Only if you are planning on leaving the country for good.
Roll it into an IRA. An IRA lets you put it into anything. Not only that, you should then transfer it all into a Roth. There’s a new rule that will delay the taxes for this year only. Then put it into a Silver Fund. I did this back in January and don’t regret it a bit.
Buy high, sell low. That’s what most retail investors do.
Never did a 401k because I do not trust the government.
Too much money out there causing temptation for the Federal government to confiscate...same with gold.
Stuck my money in bar and liquor stocks...people will drink regardless.
Wondering when/if the government will nationalize 401(k)? I am.
I am not going that direction, but if I was going to I would look at investing in ag property with water.
You can roll it into an IRA that can invest in real estate.
The cardinal rule in investing is:
DON’T PANIC.
(Coincidently, that’s also the first rule given to travellers in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.)
Cashing in a 401k before retirement is probably a really, really bad idea. The odds of armageddon happening in the next few years are pretty low. However, the taxes (between 15-35%, probably at the higher end) and penalties (another 20%) on withdrawal are dead certain and permanent.
Almost every 401k plan allows the individual participant to select mutual funds from a list of funds. So, you think Ben B and Timmy G are going to wreck the US$? Then get out of the bond (AKA, fixed income) funds and re-allocate something like 50-50 to the international equity fund and the money market fund. If you have options for an international bond fund or an inflation-protection fund, include those also. It’s unlikely that a 401k would have a fund concentrating in mining, petroleum or natural resources, but that pick would also be an obvious candidate. If Ben B and Timmy G successfully ruin the US$, the international funds get currency protection and the US$ MMF eventually gets a higher short term interest rate. It’s highly unlikely that Ben B and Timmy G will do as much damage to your 401k’s value as you would by cashing it in.
DON’T PANIC! Just be sure to get out of any fund that has the words “intermediate bond”, “long term bond”, “fixed income”, or “20xx target” if you have concerns about the competence of the ruling elite.
Think it all the way through---
Just sayin'
If your plan allows a non-hardship early withdrawal, roll it into an IRA and invest as you see fit. If not, you are crazy to do cash it out. Heck, if you are that determined quit, roll over your 401(k) and re-apply for your job.
You should discuss your situation with a financial advisor, not strangers (albeit well-meaning) on an anonymous web forum.
Many will provide a free consulrtion. It can only give you more information and options.