Roth IRA's are the way to go IIMHO...and watch out for the tax man; he is a destroyer. Gold is something to buy and hold onto as well.
You are correct, there are no guarantees in life.
I have little confidence that the government will keep their end of the bargain on not taxing Roth withdrawals again.
Think what they did with Social Security which is now double taxed when finally are able to draw it out.
As long as tax rates remain somewhat low, IRAs are the way to go to amass wealth as one has more assets to grow more as they are untaxed until withdrawn.
All bets off if tax rates increase greatly, so I have been withdrawing above my RMD every year since I retired 10 years ago.
Also, the government greedily sees big pots of untaxed income waiting to be taxed in 401ks and IRAs, so they will eventually come for them.
More safety exists in keeping further distance of the govt from your money by having little in your IRA