I was with the electrical union for only 2 years back in early 2000’s before 9/11 occured. Afterwards the union contracts started drying up and the company i worked for went from 250 journeyman down to 6 or so within a few months. I had just gotten my contractors license renewed and secured a business license to do some sidework, so instead i went full time into it. When i left the company i left my matching funds investments alone with the investment company, as it was allowed. Mind you, i only worked there for about 2 years. About 8 or 9 years later my current investment company wanted me to centralize my holdings, so i moved the retirement funds. I had no idea they raised to nearly $110,000 during that time. I really never paid it any attention.
The account i moved it into, along with wifes retirement funds , are now into the millions. I love compound interest.
Just yesterday i decided to start withdrawing a yearly stipend as i reached the age where the extra funds wont effect my SS payments. We are going to use the money for vacations, helping family members, friends and church as we wish. We dont need the money to live on, and want to use it for some good. Heck, ya cant take it with you, right.