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.
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.