Retiring Boomers Find 401(k) Plans Fall Short

The Wall Street Journal ^ | February 19th, 2011 | E.S. Browning

[Hoodat]

Over the last 20 years, the S&P 500 has yielded 4% above inflation. Any decent investor could get you an extra point.

[SeeSac]

Over the last 20 years, the S&P 500 has yielded 4% above inflation. Any decent investor could get you an extra point.

Hindsight is 20/20. 2008 was down 37%. You are running a scam if you can guarentee 4% above inflation.

[SeeSac]

S&P down 3% in three days. Glad I didn’t follow your advice ...

[Hoodat]

Hindsight is 20/20. 2008 was down 37%

Only a complete idiot is going to judge the stock market as a tool for retirement upon a single year's performance. Retirement is a long-term process, not a short-term one. You asked for a return of 5% over a twenty year period. I gave you one that was a point off.

The only thing more idiotic than basing retirement projections over a single year performance would be to discourage retirement investment based on performance over the last three days. One would have to be a complete moron to do something that short-sighted.

I tell you what. If you want to give your money over to the government and trust them with your retirement, by all means go right ahead. And good luck with that one. But as for me, I just ain't that stupid. Do the math. Math never lies.

[SeeSac]

You asked for a return of 5% over a twenty year period. I gave you one that was a point off.

No. You said you could provide one that would yield 5% per year over inflation. You failed to do that even in hindsight.

[Hoodat]

Actually, you offered the false dilemma of guaranteed performance over the next 20 years. No one can do that. But the track record of the stock market trumps the government ponzi scheme every time. I also find it silly that you ask for a 5% return over 20 years when the government gives you nowhere near that amount.

(Oh look, the S&P 500 rose 1% over the last 30 minutes. At that rate of return, you will retire as a billionaire. Pretty silly analogy you offered, eh?)

[SeeSac]

Actually, you offered the false dilemma of guaranteed performance over the next 20 years. No one can do that.

You have a poor memory. It was you that offered the false dilemma of guaranteed performance over the next 20 years. You want me to pull your post?

[Hoodat]

You have a poor memory. It was you that offered the false dilemma of guaranteed performance over the next 20 years. You want me to pull your post?

Yes, pull my post. Show me where I guaranteed performance over the next 20 years. And when you realize you can't, post your apology instead.

[SeeSac]

Yes, pull my post.

(yours in blue italics)

The 5% return is 5% above the rate of inflation.

Please tell me where I can get continuous investments each month for the next 20 years that will yield 5% above inflation. I have my 401K and IRA's in cash right now.

160 posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 7:31:39 PM by SeeSac [ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 159 | View Replies | Report Abuse] --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: SeeSac Over the last 20 years, the S&P 500 has yielded 4% above inflation. Any decent investor could get you an extra point.

[Hoodat]

That’s lovely. Now again, can you show me where I guaranteed performance over the next 20 years?

[SeeSac]

That’s lovely.

Thank you.

[Hoodat]

Let’s see. You were unable to show where I guaranteed performance, yet you posted no apology either. Go figure. I think I will save my future discussions for those who actually operate with integrity. Have a nice life. I am done with you.

[SeeSac]

I think I will save my future discussions for those who actually operate with integrity.

That eliminates any late night conversations you might have with yourself.