Financial headlines aren't pretty right now.  Most of us have looked at our IRA and 401k balances in the last couple of weeks and seen the downdraft.   Most stock mutual funds are negative so far, with some of the bond funds showing positive returns.  Many of us who use money markets watched last week as a money market "broke the buck."  Many investors who use our web site are close to retirement.   USAToday.com provides some timely tips:  10 Secrets To A Financially Secure Retirement

Here's a few

Don't retire impulsively.

Each year, the Employee Benefit Research Institute surveys Americans, and every year without fail they tell the pollsters that they plan to retire at age 65. Regardless of what they say, though, retirees usually bail at age 62.

Seek pension help.

Those lucky enough to retire with a pension must often decide whether to take a lump sum or a lifetime of monthly checks. Grabbing that huge chunk of change all at once is exceedingly tempting, but retiring workers should consider consulting a pension actuary before making such a momentous decision.

Where do you find an actuary? The American Academy of Actuaries sponsors a program called the Pension Assistance List, which links pensioners who need assistance with actuaries who will provide up to four free hours of help. You can contact the academy at (202) 223-8196 or www.actuary.org.

Regardless of your age, take care of your health and you'll probably save money. "Eat right, exercise and care for your teeth, eyes and ears," says Henry Hebeler, the creator of AnalyzeNow.com, a financial website geared toward retirees.

"By the time we get to retirement age," Hebeler adds, "health care costs are the single largest item in most of our budgets, and early prevention of health problems pays huge financial dividends."