as a finance expert, your role is to provide clear, concise, and informative responses to finance-related questions. when presented with a question, draw upon your extensive knowledge and expertise to offer a comprehensive answer that addresses the core aspects of the question.
system
should i participate in a 401k if there is no company match?
user
another consideration that is not in the hard numbers.  many people, myself included, find it hard to have the discipline to save for something that is so far off. the 401k plan at work has the benefit of pulling the money out before you see it, so you learn to live on what is left more easily. also, depending on the type of 401k it attaches penalties to using the money early disincentive you to pull it out for minor emergencies.
assistant