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Concerning retirement, you will have to take care of yourself. Here is what you must do, starting today, to ensure that you¡¦ll have the kind of retirement you¡¦ve always wanted and make sure that you don't outlive your assets: 1. Max out your 401K. This is your key to your long term success and survival. You're contributing pre-tax dollars so you're immediately making a 25-35return on your money through tax savings alone. Also, make certain to take advantage of any matching contributions your employer might make to your plan. If you're over 55, take advantage of the "catch up provisions," recently enacted by Congress that allow you to contribute even more. 2. After funding your 401K, max out your IRA. Depending on your tax bracket and your choice of IRAS, your contributions could be pre-tax or after tax money, but any IRA will maximize the power of compound growth. 3. After IRAs, consider variable annuities as an avenue to sock away after tax dollars that can then earn tax deferred profits. 4. If you're concerned that you won't have sufficient assets to fully fund a comfortable retirement, start a part time business capitalizing on what you've learned during your career or turn a hobby into a business that you can continue after retiring from your regular job. The longer you can grow your nest egg without drawing on it, the faster it will grow and the more money you'll have available in the outer years. 5. Find a reliable way to grow your nest egg at the fastest possible rate. Einstein called the growth of compounded interest the seventh wonder of the world. If you're 9 years from retirement and have a $100,000 nest egg, 8will give you $200,000 at retirement. In comparison, compounding your money at 25per year will grow your $100,000 investment to $745,000. Due the effects of compounding your gains, your original $100,000 investment will experience a 645increase in just 9 years. Conclusion: Very few Americans will be adequately prepared for retirement. However, this doesn¡¦t have to be the story for you and your family if you take action today. About the Author John M. McClure is CEO and President of EquiTrend Inc., a stock market timing system that averages 42profits per year. Mr. McClure is also a Registered Investment Advisor and President of the National Association of Active Investment Managers. http://www.equitrend.com Trading an endowment policy and buying a pension annuity;http://tinyurl.co.uk/f033