This Element is an excerpt from The Truth About Protecting Your IRAs and 401(k)s (ISBN: 9780132333849) by Steve Weisman. Available in print and digital formats.

A quick, indispensable checklist for better retirement decision-making and financial planning--and a more secure, comfortable retirement!

When it comes to retirement, the decisions you make earlier in life can go a long way in determining your financial success or failure in retirement and the quality of your retirement experience. Knowing and following a few simple rules can help you make good decisions....