I think you nailed it on the head. I have some retirement savings but giving up the 25% tax saving seems like a bad idea. I'm also thinking as my income rises and I can't shelter any more income in either 401K's or ROTH's then I'll be forced to investing outside my 401K / ROTH.

I did look at my current expenses. Between pension (21%), Mortgage (23%) and a collage funds (6%) I'm spending about half my income on expenses that will disappear in retirement. I know I'll have some additional expenses but these are unlikely to make up the difference.

I mostly enjoy my job, so my thought is that I'm more likely to go part time that retire early. Going part time also avoid taking a big hit of the defined benefit plan.

Jonathan