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[pedanterast]

I think the lesson of alshealy is not necessarily to go for the defined benefit, but rather, if you take the defined contribution, to make sure you reduce your exposure to risky investments the closer you get to retirement.  If you are conservative in your approach, you should not get caught losing your retirement, even if there is a major recession.  The problem is avoiding the human temptation to be greedy, especially in the midst of a bubble.

Precisely.  Once I hit 40 I started reducing my equity exposure by 25 basis points every quarter and when I hit 55 (soon) I am going to lowering it 50 basis points every year.  So over 25 years it will go from 75% to 40%.

[conjugate]

There are various retirement plans.You should check with all other before taking one.

Okay, Herry00 has been reported, and soon will be "retired" thanks to moderatorial efficiency! 

I note in passing that large numbers of signs advertising land for sale cheap around here suggest an opportunity.  I think the local big urban sprawl may eventually spread this way, so buying a few acres of woods might be a good plan for the future.

Yes, I know; real estate has been sinking like a rock.  That's why it might be good to buy now, rather than waiting until I'd have to pay more $$$ for the same patch of land.  Still, this is all predicated on my having the money to buy it, so it's only a dream for now.