A 401K Change

March 14, 2026- Saturday

I do not have a college degree in finance. I am not a business investor of great repute. I do have a 401K that is reliant on how stocks and bond markets respond to other economic factors. That is where the game begins. 

Our free-market system and corresponding financial markets are an elaborate financial game that leaves many people flopping in the breeze of financial institution whims. 

We are frequently told the markets do not like unpredictability. That is the excuse that is used to decrease some stock and bond values, so those high-end investors can buy at a lesser rate, knowing those values will be increased in a month. It is a game focused on profits.  

I remember when Jimmy Carter was President of the United States and the stock market topped 1000 for the first time. Two weeks ago, the market topped 50,000. The people in the financial shadows are not going to lose money. The downs in the market are rarely because of financial uncertainty. The downs are created to generate profits because those in control know they will be adjusting the markets upward soon. Those of us minor investors are simply pawns in their profit games. Meanwhile, my retirement accounts pay the price in the game. 

I know this will not happen, but I do believe something should change with retirement accounts. Retirement accounts should be tied to market values, but retirement accounts should not suffer losses. Once a retirement account achieves a gain, the account should never lose that gain. If the financial markets decline, retirement accounts should remain unchanged. If there is a 1% game that gain is the new floor of that retirement account. The only time a retirement account loses value is when funds are removed by the owner. Investment accounts remain as they are now, but retirement accounts should have better protection. Keep in mind, the institution holding that retirement account is continuing to use that money and generate profit for them. It is all part of the financial game being played by investment institutions.  

There are insurance annuities that somewhat resemble what I am proposing, but the insurance companies do not allow for full value realization for the accounts. They do that so they can maintain their 10% to 15% or greater profit margins.  

I know this will not happen, but retirement accounts should be handled differently and not be victims oof he financial whims of the financial elites.