Contributing to a 401(k) or other employee-sponsored retirement plan, opening an IRA and rebalancing one’s investment portfolio regularly are but three ways in which investors may ring in National Save for Retirement Week, said the four Edward Jones financial advisers in Washington.

National Save for Retirement Week runs Oct. 16-22. The event is designed to promote the benefits of saving for retirement and encourage workers to take full advantage of their employer-sponsored retirement plans.

“For many of us, the need to boost our retirement savings is critical,” Roy Parker, one of the advisers, said.

The percentage of workers not at all confident about having enough money for a comfortable retirement grew from 22 percent in 2010 to 27 percent in 2011, the highest level measured in the 21 years of the Retirement Confidence Survey, sponsored by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Additionally, the traditional pension plan has lost popularity among U.S. companies, yet another reason that saving for retirement is a serious matter. On the other hand, defined contribution plans, such as the 401(k), have gained in popularity.

During National Save for Retirement Week, and throughout the year, Edward Jones offers the following advice:

• Contribute as much as you can afford to a 401(k) or other tax-advantaged employer-sponsored plan such as a 403(b) or 457(b). Spread your 401(k) dollars among the available investments in a way that reflects your risk tolerance and time horizon.
• Open and contribute regularly to an IRA. A traditional IRA can grow on a tax-deferred basis, and a Roth IRA grows tax-free, provided you’ve had your account for at least five years and don’t begin taking withdrawals until you’re 59 1/2.
• Rebalance your investment portfolio regularly. During the recent recession, many new retirees faced difficulties when they were forced to tap into investment portfolios whose value had dropped significantly. Periodically review and rebalance your investments.