it kind of depends on what you did with that money. There is an opportunity cost there.
I used my 401k to start a company. so far that’s performing well above the market (and continuing to. It’s a second job so I’m reinvesting that with annual contribution caps, etc.)
I’m glad that’s worked well for you! For the overwhelming majority, keeping their money in the 401k and continuing to make regular contributions, regardless of market volatility, is the wisest course of action.
Historically, what, 4 years or so?
If you pulled all your money out in 2009 you were fucked. But by 2013 things were fine again.
https://fourpillarfreedom.com/heres-how-long-the-stock-market-has-historically-taken-to-recover-from-drops/
it kind of depends on what you did with that money. There is an opportunity cost there.
I used my 401k to start a company. so far that’s performing well above the market (and continuing to. It’s a second job so I’m reinvesting that with annual contribution caps, etc.)
The existence of exceptions does not invalidate a general rule.
I’m glad that’s worked well for you! For the overwhelming majority, keeping their money in the 401k and continuing to make regular contributions, regardless of market volatility, is the wisest course of action.