<prompt> Human: Im aware of the tax benefits for the IRA which can add up to a decent amount over time and the 401k is great if your employer matches your contribution but... doesnt it bother anyone that its very hard to withdraw from these before your retirement?Ive always figured that the money you earn would be best used during your younger years, because personally I wouldnt want money tied up in an account that I cant access, especially because you dont know if you could just die before you even reach the withdrawal age.Of course the implication with that is you could just spend all your money because youre dying anyway. Thats not what I mean, I still plan to be responsible but im surprised that more people dont want a more liquid asset. Im not trying to be disrespectful to all those who invest in their retirement but im just curious as to way its so advocated. Thanks for reading.Assistant: Ive always figured that the money you earn would be best used during your younger yearsLets say you are now 65 and want to retire. You make up a list of what you NEED to survive rent, food, gas for car, etc and then you realize that you dont have enough money to stop working. some will argue that there will be no social security in 20 years. Your have worked your but off and done everything you can, but you still have to work, because you didnt save enough when you were younger and didnt get to use compounding to create more money. Older you, wishes they could come to this thread and tell you like it is. And beg you to save more.Listen to older you. Save as much as you can. Max it all, then go out and enjoy life on the rest. Your older you will thank you.Human: Right I agree but you can still use other investment vehicles to compound with tax that are more liquid cant you? Just be responsible and fund your investment account 1500 every month etc.The upside is that its not locked away in case any issues arise. Id just hate to think about the possibility of not being healthy at maybe 50 and have no access to the money you saved or saving too much and not being able to take some out to go on a vacation etc.  <response>: You will have a hell of a time finding a rate of return above inflation if you go that way. Plus you lose all the tax sheltering benefits. 