Catch Up on Retirement Savings in 5 Simple Steps (Huffington Post)

Social Security will be insolvent by 2017, according to a 2011 report from the Social Security Board of Trustees. With nearly half of Americans not feeling confident they will have enough money to live comfortably through retirement, steps are needed to increase savings as quickly as possible. Shifting to a lower standard of living can shrink monthly expenses. Maxing out the employer match point on a 401(k) is essentially free money. IRAs provide tax advantages, a favorable return and a retirement option for the self-employed. Diversifying assets can minimize losses during down times, and investments should have little to no risk the last few years before retirement. Extending working years can provide more time to save and increase Social Security benefits.