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Where to invest your money for the long term
If you don't trust yourself to make regular investments, want the convenience of your 401(k) plan to make the savings for you, and are fully satisfied with the choices in your 401(k), then your list may look like this:

1. 401(k) with employer match
   
   
2. Roth IRA (for those eligible)
   
   
3. Unmatched 401(k)
   
   
4. Regular IRA (for those not eligible for a Roth)
   
   
5. Taxable Investments
   
   
6. Variable Annuities

If you're able save on your own, absent the automatic help provided by the 401(k), then consider:

1. 401(k) with employer match
   
   
2. Roth IRA (for those eligible)
   
   
3. Regular IRA (for those not eligible for a Roth)
   
   
4. Taxable Investments
   
   
5. Unmatched 401(k)
   
   
6. Variable Annuities

Allocating your money closer to retirement
Money that we know we'll spend in the next three to five years should not be invested in the stock markets, but in safer investment vehicles.

Short-to-mid-term bonds are most appropriate and provide a slightly better annual return than other short-term, interest-paying vehicles.