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401K People-Beware.
Most working Americans have a 401K. This idea has been promoted for years as a great second income for retirement. The stock market has flourished and is flush with millions of dollars of new money every week. This,in itself,has increased the price of stock and,therefore greatly increased the fortunes of most 401 K people. This is essentially supply and demand. The greater the demand,the greater the price.

Over the last 10 years, most 401K people have greatly benefited from their fund. There have been a few newsworthy exceptions where investors lost everything. Take Enron or MCI. Anyone who had invested in these companies lost big time, especially faithful employees. They worked hard for their company and invested in their stock. They went to bed feeling great about their retirement only to wake up one morning to find out they now had little,if any retirement. These stories hit the news, but are quickly phased out for new headlines. I know,that was years ago. I know, that was only a couple of companies. And yes,I know, their flight from top company to bankruptcy was very predictable. These companies became very greedy and uncaring about their customers. They put bottom line above everything else and no one else mattered.
What has been happening in the last 5 years? Most companies have become uncaring to their customers. Only the bottom line matters. Stock holders want, and expect double digit returns every year. Stock brokers have become consumed with making money for their clients and no longer care about long term effect. Customers, and in many cases,employees, have become second rate, as only money matters. This has led to our industries going overseas, to now everything is made in China. Who cares about quality control, only cost matters. Who cares about the American employee, when great savings can be attained in China or elsewhere? Only making a profit matters. This dollar only goal has greatly helped the stock market as the bottom line always looks great.
What many companies, and stock brokers, have forgot is the dollar is merely a fleeting object. One day you are a millionaire and the next you could become a pauper. When your only goal in life is to make money, you become a victim of your own desire. You lose objective to what others need and only care about your bottom line. Employees and customers no longer matter. Make money, cut corners, fudge the books, whatever it takes to make your company look good.

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