[scaramanga]

I think you are probably right about that. But I am making assumptions about GPs financial situation.

It is really an individual choice whether you want that financial cushion in the future, or you'd rather enjoy your life now.

I think there's a good chance, especially if you're in a lower financial bracket, that whatever you'd put in to a 401(k) might end up having no real benefit for you (due to inflation, financial collapse, or just that the value returned is too small or too late to make a difference in meaningful life outcomes for you).

It doesn't necessarily mean GP is imagining a sudden crashing collapse or nuclear war in 2030 or something.