Seven Rules for a Secure Retirement

We are witnessing what could be a watershed moment when it comes to planning for a secure retirement.

Millions of Americans were already alarmingly ill-prepared for their so-called "golden" years when the stock market crashed and the housing market melted down. Now, just as many people are finally recovering some of their losses, retirement savings face a host of new threats: states halting pension payments, high levels of unemployment, changes to Social Security and Medicare (thanks to our record deficit).

The bottom line is that if you want a crack at the happy and secure retirement we all dream of, you must take control of your retirement planning today. Here's our road map of seven simple, proven tips to planning for a worry-free retirement.