(MONEY Magazine) – I read with interest the November articles on protecting retirement money and avoiding pension plan ripoffs. Many of the problems you discussed in relation to 401(k) plans could be solved with two changes in the law. First, permit employees to withdraw all 401(k) money every five years for the sole purpose of rolling it over into an IRA in which the individual could control the destiny of his own investments. Such withdrawals would still allow immediate future participation in the existing 401(k). Second, permit individuals to contribute tax-deferred money up to 15% of their salary directly into an IRA (in addition to the current $2,000) instead of the company 401(k). Direct contributions of 401(k) equivalent money into an IRA would forgo matching corporate contributions but give individuals full control of their money from the first day. Niles Ross Florissant, Mo.