[_8j50]

401k is a good example, I have had it for my whole career but if there was a form at any point asking me how much of my pay I want to contribute I would have said 0 because I prefer cash at hand than cash some day and all the b.s. health insurance is already taking a lot. But 401k doesn't bother me enough to change the default so I leave it be as some kind of rainy day fund. I didn't like paying the penalty to withdraw it, unless I turn 65, it will always be worth significantly less than it says on paper, I am not even convinced it is beating inflation. My point is, because people don't change the default it does not mean they have accepted it or like it, that is an incorrect conclusion.

Food is another example, I like cheese sometimes but when there is an option for it I take it out of the food most times but I won't go out of my way to ask for its removal otherwise, this has a real health impact.

[mikeiz404]

If you’re worried about beating inflation, have a long time horizon, and don’t mind some risk you might looking into investing in total market index funds. An index fund for the S&P 500 has averaged ~10% returns when looking back 30 years [1].

If you’re just concerned about inflation, don’t like risk, and don’t mind locking you money up for a little bit Treasury Inflation Protected Securities [2] are also a thing. Their returns are tied to the Fed’s measurement of inflation (CPI).

1: https://www.fool.com/investing/how-to-invest/index-funds/ave...

2: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/tips.asp

[jimmydorry]

To add to the above, here's a graph of inflation adjusted S&P 500 [1].

[1] https://www.multpl.com/inflation-adjusted-s-p-500

[LegitShady]

I max out contribution because my employer matches - instant 100% return. If I didn't have that I'm not sure I'd do it.