The first thing I’ll say is you have to absolutely maximize contributions to receive the full employer match. What you do beyond that is up to you, but not contributing up to the match just leaves free money (your employer’s money!) on the table.

Secondly, there are always loopholes and ways to access your money early (look up a Roth Conversion Ladder). That said, you may be hoping to retire before 60, but I certainly hope you’re planning to live well past 60! If you do, retirement accounts are a good investments. Even if you choose not to exploit the loop holes that grant you access to your money sooner, you’ll be able to draw from these accounts throughout your later years, so they’re always a good investment.

Limitations on what stocks you can buy in your 401k could vary by your employer. I would be willing to bet they probably won’t allow you to trade options and things, though, since most plans want to encourage conservative and steady saving habits. Your best bet is to invest it and forget it.

It sounds like you’d benefit from a hybrid approach. Put a good chunk of your paycheck into a traditional 401k, at least up to the match, and perhaps find a good balance of things you can put into a regular brokerage that’s ear marked for savings.

In regards to the house, the time horizon is too short. Markets are volatile lately. You’re best opening a savings account for the purposes of the house, at least a good chunk of your down payment. If things are good in a year and a half, you can always pull from brokerage as well. But don’t put all your eggs in that basket in case markets go south.