I have the thrift savings plan (its like a military 401K), bonds and a 20 year federal pension upon retirement compleate with medical and dental benefits. I currently dont make enough to invest in anything else but at the age of 26 with over $45,000 invested for my past 7 yeras of military service I think Im off to a good start! Oh and the $45,000 dollars doesent include the $30,000 that I have contributed to social security. Can you imagine how much that money could have grown if I was allowed to invest it on my own?