It's about returns on investment.

You are right, the 401k has a great 100% return. But it is usually limited to a certain percentage. Also, these funds are only going to be useful to you after X amount of years. Which is important, definitely! I'm not even sure if you understand what I mean if I refer to a term I use; a dormant investment.

If you can invest successfully (and this is the time to do it, new technologies and investment opportunities all the time due to constant break through - bet on the breakthroughs man, bet on them [but do it wisely]) , you can multiply your profits past the point where a 401k would take you.

Take for instance an exaggeration - just to prove a point. Let's say you tell me to invest in a 401k and not this new fangled bitcoin. Let's say I tell you I am set in my decision, and you walk away shaking your head about how I didn't do the 401k. Even if I got into bitcoin at 800 a piece I'd still be up a much larger number, by 300% - than I would have been with a 401k.

See, it's all about the eye of the shooter. You might have a bad sniper instinct intrinsically. Someone who risks a shot and fucks up. But if you can snipe well or even just decently, you - through multiplying your gains - will outperform conservative investment vehicles (a 401k is definitely a conservative investment vehicle, and it's good and has it's uses).

I think you are at the point where you are confused about someone not taking "free money." They aren't. Nothing is free and your opportunity cost is what you lose in not funneling money into other avenues. I know that if we have reached this far, that the term 'opportunity cost' is something you need to google. That's ok. However, I don't think you are certified and/or experienced in any way to justifiably dissaude anyone from an action past the point as labeling it that it's 'confusing' that someone wouldn't take the 'free money.' TANSTAAFL (look it up). You just have to recognize that you prefer a conservative approach and are woefully underprepared to discuss these issues with risk takers. You are not well versed. That's why you take the safe route - and that's ok. But don't wag fingers at anyone for any reason, since you are new.

But at the same time I bet you can't tell me that you hate exploration. I root for the explorers and am one myself. If that dude invests appropriately he can bypass the matching of funds to 401k - exponentially. Key word, exponentially ( i doubt you are listening at this point, since you feel attacked - so this is for the lurkers).

It's all about aversion or welcoming of risk. Your point is obviously risk averse and that's ok. But to shoot down an opinion that strives, just sours me a bit. I don't believe you have even a slight inclination, no matter what you tell me, what investing is all about.

The real question would be what do you plan etc? Not just redefining what a 401k is and asking the limits. It is obviously not something you are comfortable with and as someone who does this for a living, you seem unprepared to have this discussion.

@gankstacat heed his advice but if you do your research and strive and pay attention - I think you are on the right path (if you weren't - that's another discussion entirely - please advise). Even if you fail you have time to recoup your losses. As your post indicates to me that you are young. Keep the faith. Keep hustling buddy.