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There is no excuse for not saving for your future. None.
No one will do it for you, and, besides, investing for your retirement has never been easier. Pick a tax-advantaged plan, contribute the maximum allowed, then sit back and watch your money grow.
OK, it's a little more complicated than that. You'll want to keep track of your all-important asset allocation, but even that's gotten simpler. You'll have to have the discipline to start early and stay the course even in tough times. And you'll have to have the willpower to leave the money alone.
Try running the numbers on MSN Money's retirement calculator to find out where you stand.
401(k): It's painless and pretax
Most people save through payroll-deduction plans that put off a date with the tax man until their golden years. The most common is the 401(k).A newer alternative, the Roth 401(k), does the opposite, allowing you to invest taxed income and withdraw the earnings tax-free. (See 
Avoiding taxes with a Roth 401(k) on MSN Money Video.)
- Sign up as soon as you can. Start setting aside at least $4,000 a year at age 25 and you'll have more than a cool million 40 years later. Wait 10 years and you'll have less than half of that. (See "Why bad 401(k) advice is better than none.")
- Take advantage of every dollar of 401(k) matching money your employer provides. Large companies typically match 50% of your contribution, up to 6% of your gross pay.
- Consider investing in both a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k). The contribution limit for 401(k)s -- about $15,500 -- applies to the combined contribution. (See "Build a bigger nest egg.")
- A Roth 401(k) is particularly beneficial to those who anticipate a higher tax rate in retirement and young workers new to the work force. (See "6 simple rules for retiring wealthy.")
- More employers are making 401(k) enrollment automatic for all employees. But don't leave investment decisions to your employer, who may deduct too little and invest it too conservatively. (See "7 hot 401(k) trends.")
- Don't quit contributing to your 401(k) during tough economic times. (See "6 smart 401(k) moves for rough times.")
- If you're a teacher or an employee of a nonprofit, your 403(b) plan may not have an employer match and may have high fees. An individual retirement account, or IRA, might be a better option despite a much lower contribution limit.
Allocate appropriately
Asset allocation is crucial when investing your retirement savings. Your employer likely offers a dozen or more investment choices. You want a mix of stock funds, bond funds and cash equivalents that maximizes your earnings within your acceptable level of risk.- Younger workers have time to recover from stock market downturns and are advised to invest heavily in stock funds, which generally produce the greatest yields. Experts recommend a stock allocation of no less than 60% to 80%. For those nearing retirement, movement toward bond funds protects investments from market volatility.
- Diversify, diversify, diversify. Select at least three non-overlapping stock funds, possibly a large-cap, a small-cap and an international stock fund. Do so after comparing fund performance and fees. (See "Build a stable retirement portfolio.")
- Your plan may offer investment guidance or help in another form: So-called lifestyle and life-cycle funds offer an asset mix based on your age, goals and risk tolerance. No two funds are alike, so compare diversification, risk and fees.
- Don't tie up your money in your employer's stock. If your employer's match is company stock, invest your contribution elsewhere. (See "7 ways to mess up your 401(k).")
- Review your asset allocation at least once a year.
Continued: Keep your mitts off the money
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