Ten Steps to Smart Saving

1.Take Control
Only you can ensure that you'll have enough money saved for your retirement. Your best bet for taking control includes profit-sharing and 401(k) plans.

2. Know What You'll Need
Experts estimate that you'll need at least 70% of your pre-retirement income to maintain the same standard of living once you stop working.

3. Start Now
Time is on your side. The sooner you start, the longer your money has to grow. It's never too early to start saving for a secure retirement.

4. Participate in Plans
Employer-sponsored plans like profit-sharing and 401(k) plans are convenient, easy to use and are among the best retirement savings deals out there.

5. Contribute to the Max
The more money you put in a 401(k) plan, the more you'll get out - especially since many companies match part or all of their employees' retirement contributions.

6. Invest Pre-Tax
Saving pre-tax gives you more money to invest. Because taxes take a large bite out of each dollar you earn, you have to save more after-tax dollars to get the same impact as pre-tax saving. PLUS, saving pre-tax lowers your taxable income, which means that you'll pay less to the IRS on April 15.

7. Pay Yourself First
Out of sight, out of mind. You won't miss the money you're saving if it's deposited straight into your 401(k) plan or other retirement account.

8. Keep Your Hands Off
Don't touch your retirement savings. You'll not only avoid tax penalties for using the money early, you'll also give your investments more time to grow.

9. Look Long-Term
"Low-risk" investments usually mean low returns and may put your retirement finances in danger down the line. For successful saving, choose investments that will beat inflation over the long haul.

10. Be Flexible
As the years go by, life changes. So should your retirement savings strategy. Review it annually to ensure it still meets your needs as retirement approaches.