How Did Your 401(k) Really Stack Up in 2008?
By Emily Brandon , Katy Marquardt





"The year's 401(k) and IRA account summaries have been rolling in, and they don't look pretty: In 2008, employees, on average, lost 14 percent—or about $10,000—of their retirement savings, according to Hewitt Associates. Some lost much more. Fidelity, the nation's largest retirement-plan administrator, says the average balance in its customers' accounts dropped $19,000 in 2008......Retirement account losses in 2008 disproportionately affected wealthy savers. Those with more than $200,000 lost more than a quarter of their savings, on average, according to an Employee Benefit Research's Institute analysis of 22 million participants in more than 55,000 employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. Investors in the $100,000 to $200,000 range suffered as well, with an average loss of 21 percent in 2008. The typical account with $50,000 to $100,000 lost 15 percent."



With fear over 401k losses, the mortgage crisis and general economic woes many americans are beginning to cut back. Living less large and investing in sustainable housing and technology is beginning to look more attractive to the average consumer, especially with looming plans for "cap and trade". Perhaps some well placed trailer parks could serve as retirement communities for those that dont mind cutting back on space in order to retain an anticipated standard of living. Well designed walkable trailer park communities could be a good fit for boomer retirees and could become a new responsible living opportunity for the next generation.