The Automatic Millionaire guy David Bach points out some of the basics in his recent column.  Retirement really does hinge on contributing regularly to your 401k.  If you want to be successful-max out that plan each year.  Take a look at your 401k statement this month and try to boost those contributions before year end!

If you're under age 50, the IRS limit for pretax 401(k) contributions is $15,500 for this year. If you're over 50, there's a $5,000 catch-up provision that increases that limit to $20,500.

Of course, you'll need to know what your employer's maximum allowable contribution for the plan is as well. It could be lower -- some plans won't allow you to save more than 15 percent of your gross income, and certain "highly compensated" employees may be limited even more. So be sure to check with your HR department.

In any case, your goal should be to max out your plan. If you're currently on track to do so, congratulations -- you're accomplishing something the vast majority of Americans can't or won't do.

David Bach's 401k strategy for 2007. Yahoo Finance