From the time I entered the workforce, I was told to sock money away into my 401K plan. Contribute as much as I can afford up to the annual limit. Before I was a consultant, I qualified for employer match so it seemed like free additional money. Because I heard it from HR, on TV commercials, financial ‘gurus’, money magazines, my bank and pretty much anyone I talked to for advice.
Read MoreMost Americans have never even heard of a self-directed account. They have been around for decades but because most employers and business owners are heavily courted by Wall Street brokerages and banks, almost all retirement plans are made up of a buffet of mutual funds ranging from low risk to high risk.
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