The alternatives suck.3-fund or target date fund IRA and forgo lots of free moneyHumping govt bonds or bank CDs for safe yet tiny growthKeep money in your checking account or couch and never be able to retire.Worship your 401k and contribute at least enough for the company match. Anything between that and 15% is up to you and what you can afford. --- Paid for by StarksPAC, a registered 501(c)(4)