[Doe Eyes]

You are better off putting your extra money in a Passbook Savings account.

Why do you think the Government is more likely to steal retirement savings instead of regular savings?

[OrangeHoof]

Good question! I agree that regular savings is no safer than retirement savings. Unless you have the sort of funds to own precious metals, I'd suggest that you take the money out and buy property or pay off your mortgage. Your home will be a lot harder to confiscate if you own it outright.

My mother closed all her accounts years ago and used the money to pay off the rest of her daughter's house in return for a promise to live there if she ever got so destitute that she had no place else to go.

Mom wound up living off her deceased husband's VA and SS benefits and never needed to move in with her daughter until she died. So my sister no longer has a monthly house payment. Your miles may vary, but it's an option to consider.