<prompt> Human: I dont make a lot of money and I currently dont contribute to my 401k. I never liked the idea of a 401k for several reasons. What are the best alternatives?  <response>: Basically your only tax-advantaged alternatives to a 401k are the IRAs - Roth or Traditional. Youve stated several times that you dont like the idea of a 401k for several reasons but havent given any actual reasons why a 401k wont work for you. Perhaps you should read Your 401k and You: Basic Information and Your IRA and You: Basic Information 