A person can think of the 401's this way. We're buying at a bargain! Back when the market dipped last time in 2001, the 401K thing was pretty new here where I work. I freaked everybody out when I maxed out my contributions towards high risk markets while everyone else pulled out into secure bonds. Then when the markets rebound, I popped out on top of the league with more money than the owners and principals of the company racking in a 41% advance for the total year.
But on second thought in the latest decline, I've lost enough this year to have bought 75% of the house I just moved into. But again, I have yet to pull out of my so-far-so-good risky stocks.
Before the latest decline, I was still the top dog but back to topic, if the market totally crashes my total loss would be around $180,000. So far I've lost 50% from my all time high.
The Principals who WERE looking at retirement in the next couple of years have some low chins around here right now. I'm 36 now and I guess thoughts of early retirement is now out of the question...