My Roth IRA has been my saving grace, in regard to making MMM-style finances possible. While I would love to have the tax deduction (and I might set up a separate Traditional IRA at some point later), the Roth gives me flexibility that I need at this point in life. I received a major promotion in January, and I'm in a probationary period for six months. This means they can let me go without warning, if they feel I'm not the right fit for the job. (After six months, I become vested.) In addition, I'm kind of just starting out in life, so there are a few major decisions I will have to make within the next five years. For example, whether I want to rent or purchase a home. If I decide to purchase a home, having the principle in the Roth that I can withdrawal for a down payment is a comforting option to have. I should add that using it for this would be plan B, as I have other accounts I'm saving in for this very purpose, but the flexibility in this tumultuous period of my life gives me comfort.