<prompt> Human: Im 25 at the moment and in 3 months I get about 20k from a trust. I put about 9 in my 401k currently valued around 11k and in 3 months when I get the 20k lump sum Im going to open up a separate Roth IRA, put the maximum contribution I can in, and roll the rest into a traditional IRA along with a little in a 529 plan for my nieces. Then the plan is to attempt to save about 10-15 a year in addition to the 401k savings, taking into consideration raises as well. But I have a dilemma and maybe you all can help me process it?The issue is, while I see the importance of saving for retirement and I plan on doing so diligently, increasing 401k savings 1-2 each year and not touching it, I kind of want the liberty now to play with the contributions and earnings from the 2 separate IRAs I plan to open. For example, in 5-10 years I would like to buy a house and use the contributions I will place in the IRAs not the 401k to fund the downpayment. My father says that is a bad idea as you lose out on future returns because of the principal...I understand his logic and the concept of ROI but sometimes I feel like whats the purpose of having all this money saved for retirement, essentially living now for my twilight years? While I plan to save alot with the 401k and not touch it and ensure a hefty retirement fund with that, I feel like the separate IRAs should be for the now 10-20 years. I feel that in life we are always looking towards tomorrow and thus miss out on today...Im afraid Im going to save and deny myself now only to become 65 and wish I wouldve enjoyed my money when I was younger. Trying to find a balance of enjoying my money now while being frugal and prudent towards the future. Thoughts?  <response>: So you know how you dont like having that money now, when you are 23, employed, and healthy? Imagine not having it when you are 65, retired, and have a bunch of medical problems. 