Serious question with a normal amount of Wise A$$ responses. Many 401Ks have very restrictive investment choices. 10 years ago you may have had a good amount of your funds in "money markets", which had a decent yield. They are now yielding close to what the banks pay .. a tad above zero. My 401Ks were both administered through Fidelity - I transferred them "IN KIND" to Fidelity IRAs. IN KIND means that your investments didnt change at all. That gives you time to decide how to set up your account for the "distribution" phase of your life. You no longer will have the ability to make up huge losses with "buying low" when the market tanks. Some people go crazy and make silly bets on stocks and investments they don;t understand. They end up going back to work at minimum wage jobs. The key, as you alluded to, is capital preservation, with at least enough growth to cover inflation. Fidelity, Vanguard and a number of other credible companies offer a wealth of options and model portfolios for this purpose. If you are totally uncomfortable with managing your fund, you can consider a financial advisor.. That opens another discussion altogether. Just remember the "Free Lunch Theorem" - There is no such thing as a Free Lunch ! Good Luck
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