<prompt> Human: Ahoy! I am on the threshold of opening a Roth IRA with Vanguard thanks to a lot of the advice Ive read in this sub. In their disclaimer, Vanguard says they cant guarantee that youll get back what you put in. I understand that with market fluctuations the values will go up and down, but Im really scared that after 25 years of me putting 5,500 into an account if the economy crashes or our country falls apart I lose all my money. Historically have people ever lost their investment? What if I need that cash to flee to Canada?! Serious question with a joke at the end for levity.Also, my company does not offer 401ks. We are very small. Besides the owner, Im the only full time employee. I would like to broach the subject of a 401k, but I dont know what is required of the company setting up the program. If my company doesnt match, does it still cost the company money? Hes a very open guy so Im not afraid to ask him about this, but I would like to know a little bit me before I do.Thanks a lot guys!  <response>: but Im really scared that after 25 years of me putting 5,500 into an account if the economy crashes or our country falls apart I lose all my money.If the country falls apart your dollars wont be worth anything anyways.Historically have people ever lost their investment? Sure. I imagine plenty of people overexposed to equities in 2001 and 2009 lost money on their investments, but that was a result of poor planning and a misunderstanding about their risk tolerance than anything.If my company doesnt match, does it still cost the company money?Yes, there are administrative costs associated with having a 401k program. A SIMPLE IRA might be a better choice. 