“Whether you save in a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA isn’t nearly as important as whether you save, period,” says Christopher Jones, chief investment officer at Financial Engines, an independent investment adviser specializing in 401(k)s. Let’s start with the low-hanging fruit: Financial Engines took a look at nearly one million 401(k) accounts from 82 plan sponsors and found that about one third of participants don’t contribute enough to get the maximum employer match; thereby passing up free money.

Max out on that match. No excuses. And push yourself to invest more. This year you can stuff $16,500 into your 401(k) ($22,000 if you are over 50). Yet according to Financial Engines less than 10 percent of plan participants get to within $500 of their contribution limit.