Research is out from two sources today, confirming that most people have stayed in their 401k plans despite the downturn in the economy. The Investment Company Institute found that most people who participate in their 401k plans at work stayed involved steadily with a good division between stocks and bonds. According to financial writer Kathy Kristoff, people in their 30s have about half of their money in stocks. Investors in their 60s have about one-third of their money in stocks. Clark would like 30-year-olds to have 60 to 75 percent in stock choices, and older folks bump up their percentage to 50 percent. But as long as people are investing, that is what matters. If you are not putting much money in your 401k plan, please start. Put at least a dime on every dollar into a 401k. If you’re saving some, Clark wants you to save more. If you’re under 50, you want two-thirds to three-quarters of your money in stock. The other study was from Merrill Lynch and it surveyed what kind of return people think they should make on their returns. Turns out, the average is 22 percent, which is just not realistic. Be careful with your expectations. Another option is a Roth IRA. Keeping money in a Roth IRA is very smart because it’s 100 percent yours.