Based on your financial expertise, provide your response or viewpoint on the given financial question or topic. The response format is open.

What are the benefits of opening an IRA in an unstable/uncertain economy?
Yes, it's possible to withdraw money without penalty but you have to do it in a special way. For example you have to withdraw the same amount every year until you retire: Tapping Your IRA Penalty-Free  as for unstable economy - you can trade many instruments in your IRA. you can do bonds, mutual funds, stocks, ETFs or just keep it in cash. Some do well in bad economy.