The SIMPLE retirement account is awesome if you own your own business. Any family business applies such as a home based or "brick and mortar"real estate rental and investment business, car-wash, gas station, restaurant, etcetera, can sponsor the SIMPLE IRA. Like the SEP-IRA, the SIMPLE IRA is company-sponsored. As a small business owner, for 2003 for instance you could have matched each employee's pay up to 3 percent or $8,000, whichever is less.

That adds up to a lot of money when it is a profitable business and family members are employees. SIMPLE IRA contributions are fully deductible when you put the money in the account but you will have to pay taxes on any profits you make on the stock when you retire. In addition to a SIMPLE IRA accounts, individuals and home based small businesses have an additional option to sock away money toward future retirement educational needs through educational IRAs.

Small businesses, which cannot afford to sponsor a 401(k) or 403(b), can also offer employees basic retirement plans established for the benefit of their employees. Sole proprietors also now also can open individual 401(k) plans. Examine the options and pick the one that maximizes your long-range savings goal. And don't wait. Take advantage of compound earnings and start socking away cash now for tomorrow.