Have you made the most of 2008 yet?

Sure, 2008 is nearly over, but you can still make a big difference in your retirement plan saving. If you have a 401(k) plan and haven't reached the annual limit, you might still have time to increase your 2008 total retirement contributions. Contact payroll right away and see what's still possible.

If your employer also has a matching program, remember that the amount your employer will contribute on your behalf is limited on a calendar year basis. So, if you started contributing after January (perhaps because you weren't ready to save for retirement, weren't eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan, or simply worked somewhere else during the beginning of 2008), you can make up for lost time! Here's how:

• Temporarily increase your 401(k) contribution to the most you can afford for just the remainder of 2008.
• In most cases, your employer should match the full amount you contribute subject to the annual cap.
• Then, come January, return your contribution level to something you can afford for the long-term, making sure that you never turn down free money.