• Develop a financial plan -- create a vision of your financial future. The way you have a plan for your career and family, you must have a personal financial plan.
• Understand why a 401(k) cannot be the sole component of your retirement portfolio, and begin to consider alternative investment options. IRA, money market accounts, savings accounts, etc. are all good options to look at.  (Related:  Personal finance for empty nesters)
• Do a self-audit and make sure you have a clear picture of where you stand with your finances. Many excellent websites provide you with free tools to assess your situation.
• Educate yourself in order to see opportunities with a wider range of investment strategies. Again, many websites provide tutorials that you should read. If your company offers 401(K), then there are often training sessions organized by the plan manager. Attend these sessions. Also you can attend personal finance training classes at your local community centers. If you can afford to pay, get a personal financial advisor, e.g., an Ameriprise personal financial consultant.  (Related:  How to prevent identity theft)
• Consider non-traditional investments, such as real estate. If you do not own a home yet, conduct an analysis if you would be better off owning one rather than renting. The tax benefits of homeownership add up quickly plus you build equity. And if your home appreciate, you can simply keep the appreciation amount tax-free.  (Related article:  Uses for tax refund)
• Keep your day job, but start a part-time business to keep more of what you earn rather than giving it to the taxman. Even if you work a few hours a week, the income adds up quickly. It is much better than watching television and drinking beer.  (Related article:  Make money like we do at mynippon.net)
• Surround yourself with qualified advisors who can guide you as you make decisions. Do not be shy about asking if you do not know. This is a complex area so make sure that you understand.
• Take steps to control your emotions when it comes to money. Eating out gives emotional pleasure, but it is simply too expensive, particularly if you add alcohol, appetizer, and dessert. There are a million other examples where we waste money because we use our heart rather than our head. So every time you spend a dollar, ask yourself why do you need to spend it and if you can avoid it. The savings quickly add up with no effort at all.  (Related:  How to avoid foreclosure)
• Learn how professional investors protect themselves from market fluctuations. This may sound difficult but it is not. While research is key to master this, but some of the principles are easy to understand. If it sounds too good to be true, watch out. Buy low and sell high. Don't fall in love with your investments. Nothing goes up indefinitely. Diversification is a must.  (Related article:  How to get ready for stock market?)

Recommended articles:  How to get started with retirement planning?   Tips on guaranteed retirement income      

Americans need retirement help    How to finance plastic surgery procedures?     Four pillars of retirement planning

Make your own financial decisions based on your personal situation   Teach good saving habits to children