I had $17k in the 401k when I was laid off from my last job - it had been twice that but there was that big collapse. Raised a lot of kids and couldn't put much away. Always something but never much. That was in my 40s.

I am dug out now, mostly, in my 50s, not to the point I think I'll retire but oh my God when I look at the difference between them and now it's crazy, there is so much more.

I just want to say, don't give up hope. I would never have dreamed that this would turn around and it did. And the kids grew up too.

I've been there. It sucks. But it was possible for me to get out. It took years. Be careful, and be ready to catch any luck that might come your way.