The first step in building a retirement nest egg should be investing in your company's 401(k) plan if your employer offers one.
What's great about it:
• You don't have to remember to save: The money is taken directly from your paycheck.
• You pay no taxes on the dollars you invest and the funds grow tax-free until withdrawn.
• You get free money: Most employers match a portion of what you invest.
If you do enroll, make sure you put enough in your 401(k) to earn the full company match. The most common practice among employers is to offer 50 cents on the dollar up to the first 6 percent you save.
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