Maximize your 401(k) match

Although 2009 is about to wind to its inevitable conclusion, you might still be able to get your money's worth from your corporate retirement plan account, like a 401(k) plan. Almost all employer-based retirement plans that featuring matching provisions calculate their maximum employer match based on a per-calendar year period. Therefore, even if you had previously neglected to take full advantage throughout 2009, by aggressively contributing to your 401(k) plan between now and the end of December you may be able to receive as much of that "free money" as you would have had you been contributing all year long!

However, once January 2010 rolls around, 2009 is gone and the money you forfeited can never again be realized. So if you've been procrastinating saving for retirement, you've only got a few weeks left to save - and potentially make up for the whole year.

Maximize your employer 401(k) matching program today.