When it comes to 401(k) plans, why let the employees have all the fun?  Indeed, self-employed individuals with no employees are great candidates for a solo 401(k), also known as a self-employed 401(k) plan.

With potentially higher contribution limits and reduced complexity compared to a traditional 401(k) plan, it makes sense to consider a solo 401(k) plan.  If you're self-employed don't forget about SEP-IRAs, Keogh plans, or SIMPLE IRAs either!

Although millions of Americans will scramble to make their IRA contributions before the deadline it's an entirely unnecessary exercise. With decent cash-flow planning you can make your IRA contribution anytime.  In fact, a 2010 IRA contribution may be made anytime between January 1, 2010 and April 15, 2011.

Furthermore, the sooner you make your contribution the sooner you change the growth in your money from taxable to tax-deferred (regular IRA) or tax-free (Roth IRA).  You only have to move up your contribution once in your life. If you do so successfully, you'll never scramble to make the contribution ahead of the deadline again - you will have already made the contribution - last year.

Ready to make a difference in 2010? Here are the 2010 IRA contribution limits. Still haven't quite nailed 2009? Take a look at the 2009 IRA contribution limits.

Although it's well into 2010, the 2009 limits for retirement plan saving are still highly relevant.  This is because the deadline for making retirement contributions to a plan such as an IRA is April 15, 2010.  As such, you can still make a 2009 contribution and, potentially save on your 2009 taxes!

One strategy: use your refund to make part or all of your contribution.  If you file soon and choose direct deposit of your refund, you'll have a great shot of getting the funds in time for the April 15 contribution deadline.

How much can you contribute?  Here are the 2009 IRA contribution limits.

This is the time of year when the phrase "tax deduction" causes people's ears to perk up. As you may be aware, a tax deduction reduces your taxable income which, in turn, reduces the tax you owe or increases the tax refund you'll receive.

While most tax deductions arise from the payment of expenses like unreimbursed employee expenses, big medical bills, or mortgage interest, there's another, far more attractive category of tax deductions: deductions for saving for retirement.

That's right. By playing your cards right, you can save for your future while saving taxes today. Learn how to save taxes while saving for retirement.