re: How much money should you have in the bank by age 30.

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Could be invested in a self-directed traditional IRA and taxes wouldn't be an issue. The fees on the self-directed account could be lower than the 401k fees. It could also help fund a Roth IRA, depending on your income level.

There are situations where it would be better to get the 6% raise rather than 6% auto-contribution, but there are also situations where the 6% contribution would be better. Just something to think about.

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I do this for a livin baw. You're right, but there are a few things you have to keep in mind

Most people are going to frick up in a self directed IRA chasing returns, and retire with a shite ton of risk in their portfolio because they haven't rebalanced or reallocated since they were 30. Run their trading fees up chasing the next best thing. Roth makes most sense if your income will rise in retirement, otherwise it's a crapshoot on if you should fund Roth vs traditional

And the company will choose the match because if they have a traditional 6 year vesting schedule, it helps to keep people from bolting


ETA: most people's allocations in their 401k's are shite too, but the 401k does a good job of limiting the scope of what people have to choose from