comment: >
  
  Not if you have a decent job, which is the kicker my whole post relies on. And by decent i mean high 5 figures-low 6. Trust me i know people making 200k a year. They contribute upwards of 20-30%.
  Either way, About 50 some odd % of the country contributes to a 401k plan and the average out of pocket contribution is 7%, or 11% once a match is considered. It’s more common than you think, and 7-11% is honestly too little as is for a 65 retirement age and isn’t a whole lot. But definitely large enough to leave your spouse with a lot of money if you die young.
context: Not exactly the same, but I work as a housekeeper and gardener. I excelled in school and have a law degree, but physical work soothes my soul in a way that law and similar occupations never would. >
  
  I have worked in I.T for more years than I care to mention. Stick me in the garden to get on with jobs or decorating a room, build a BBQ. I much prefer this it's relaxing and very fulfilling. >
  
  My friend has the same job and same hobbies. I think completing tasks you can't physically see an immediate reward for doesn't hit the same reward centres as the things you describe. Also the work is never done at work, where as physical things have a process to completion with an environment improvement as the goal? >
  
  I couldn't have put it better myself. >
  
  I think that the reason a lot of people warn young girls against aiming to become housewives is because they'll be completely financially dependent on a spouse which means it is extremely difficult to leave them if they are abusive/cheat or find a job if they die/lose their jobs etc. While I agree that being a house wife/husband is really underappreciated, it's really hard to get a high-paying job with such a large employment gap, most employers don't value the skills that house-spouses have. Even in the best relationships, unbalanced financial power can still cause issues. But I agree, housewives/husbands are just as crucial as working wives/husbands but it's also important that the the stay-at-home spouse has a way out/employable skill. >
  
  Not only if they divorce, but if the spouse dies…. >
  
  Eh--this happened to my family.  You need to make sure that the working spouse is carrying a life insurance policy.  It will bridge the gap for several years while the other spouse gets on their feet.  I can say as someone that this actually happened to that this is not a reason to be too worried as long as you are able to prepare in this way.  Also get one for the stay at home spouse because if they die you need instant childcare in many cases. >
  
  Not to mention if the other spouse had a decent job and was at all financially responsible they should have a good amount stashed in 401k’s, IRA’s, and savings to pass onto the other spouse. >
  
  decent jobs don't pay enough anymore. you have to be rich to save anything. >
  
  Nawh, im barely 26 and have a solid amount in my 401k with just 2.5 years of 11% contributions+a 4% match. 
  That account alone may be worth like 200k in just 10 years inflation already factored in. That’s a good chunk to allow a potential spouse time and resources to get back on their feet assuming i die early.
  Not even considering my IRA, and cash on hand. >
  
  This is beyond most peoples means in today's economy.