 So if the employer isn't matching, why would you put any of your savings under somebody else's control? Because that's, in essence, what you're doing. And you're tax-deferring money. Tax-deferred don't mean tax-free, okay? That means taxes will be someday. Someday payday's going to come. So if your employer isn't matching, there's usually better places that you can put your savings. Another reason not to max out a 401k is if you're swimming in debt. Now,