So, you want to save more for retirement. Bravo! Allow me to prioritize your next steps.

Step 1: Max out your employer's retirement plan. Because it lets you sock money away before Uncle Sam takes his tax toll, it's a deal too good to pass up. (Some employers even match your contributions. So you may get free money to boot!)

Step 2: Once you've contributed as much as you can to your employer's plan, check out other income tax-deferred savings options.

Step 3: Want to stash more cash away for retirement, but also want to know you could tap in before then if you need to? Then consider one of the many taxable savings options.