<prompt> Human: This might be controversial, and is definitely only applicable to people who are debt-free and are fully funding their 401k. But if you get to that point, putting more money in index funds is NOT the way to get rich.If you have a long enough time-frame, you will probably get a return of 7 annually. Think of this as paying 100 now, and getting 7 once a year from now on. What else could you do with that money? Could you find 7 books that teach you new skills, and get a 500 raise the next year?Same with 1,000. Do you want 70 each year, or do you want to take an online class that teaches you how to build a business? What kind of job could you get if you took that money and took a coding course?Once you get past 10k, the same logic applies. Maybe you can buy a small business that gives you an annual return of 10, and you learn how to grow it another 10. Maybe you learn how to invest in real estate. The stock market isnt the best you can do with your money. If youre willing to put in the time and effort, you wont have to wait 30 years to be rich.  <response>: I think this is an interesting conversation. I agree with you that your should develop yourself, and take risky investments that return greater reward. But your thinking or at least what you posted is a bit myopic. - The average family should be putting 100 a week into retirement account. I dont think youre suggesting buying 300 books a year to develop your skills.- As for small businesses Youre not going to be able to invest in the restaurant down the street with 1000. Youll need a big chuck of cash to become a partner in a business, and you have to save that up first. - Small businesses are incredibly risky. Only 1 out of 10 new companies survive. And, most of the ones that do never grow. For ever pizza chain that goes state wide, there are dozen places that only ever have a single location. That location wont be returning 10 ROI. Youre also ignoring facts about the 401k. 1. The match. For every 100 you put in, your employer will give you 50 to 100 to match. Thats 50 to 100 ROI right off the bat. 2. Compound interest. At 7 interest and a 50 match, 100 turns in 160.50 the first year, and 1250 after 30 years. Not 310 as your math suggests. My suggestions is diversification. If you want to get rich, you have to take big risks. But, you should have something to fall back on. Your 401k is protected from Bankruptcy youll probably end up having to take after your first 2 business ventures fail. 