The Roth IRA contribution deadline is looming. With less than two weeks left, it's time to fund your account if you haven't already done so. Let's quickly review why a Roth IRA is so critically important in saving for your retirement. Then we'll look at three great stocks for a dividend investor's Roth.

Best bang for your buck
Your most powerful way to save for retirement is a Roth IRA. It allows after-tax contributions in exchange for tax-free income in retirement. If you haven't made your contribution for 2012, you have until the tax-filing deadline to do so. If you're under age 50, you can fork over $5,000 into a Roth. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000.

If you're flush with cash, strongly consider getting a jump on your 2013 contribution. The limits are more generous -- $5,500 if you're under age 50. If you're 50 or older, you can still contribute that additional $1,000.

But keep in mind that some individuals are excluded from contributing to a Roth. If you're a high-wage earner, familiarize yourself with Roth eligibility requirements before contributing.

Stock ideas for the dividend investor
For income-desiring investors, there are many solid dividend-paying stocks trading at good buys in today's market. I've found three companies with competitive positions whose stocks boast strong dividend yields and attractive valuations. They each have forward price-to-earnings ratios less than the S&P 500's current P/E of 18. And while the average dividend yield of S&P 500 companies is 1.9%, these companies pay yields greater than the market.

Illinois Tool Works (ITW 0.27%)
This Illinois-based manufacturer will likely benefit as spending ramps up in transportation and construction, two industries that make up a healthy portion of the company's revenue. Illinois Tool Works holds nearly 20,000 patents, indicating a successful history of innovation. The century-old company boasts a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13 and a 2.5% dividend yield. 

US Bancorp (USB -0.20%)
A top holding of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, it's what US Bancorp has avoided that makes it appealing for investors: The bank didn't aggressively lend to the extent of its too-big-to-fail counterparts. The conservative nature of this regional bank has helped it return healthy shareholder value during the past several decades. The stock pays a 2.3% dividend yield and boasts a forward P/E ratio of 10. 

Coca-Cola (KO 0.15%)
Another Berkshire Hathaway favorite, Coca-Cola dominates Interbrand's "Best Global Brand" list, having secured its top-spot status every year since the list's inception. With its beloved and blockbuster brand, the company enjoys fantastic margins and robust sales growth despite global economic headwinds. As a tasty bonus for shareholders, Coca-Cola pays a 2.8% dividend yield, which it's increased for 50 consecutive years.

Foolish bottom line
The Roth IRA contribution deadline is fast approaching. So, don't miss your opportunity to fund a retirement account and secure your financial future. Consider these three great dividend-paying stocks for your contribution dollars today.