Did you have any moonlighting, consulting, or other self-employment income? If so, you have until 12/31/08 to set up a Solo 401k, and then you have until 4/15/09 to fund the Solo 401k for 2008. That will let you put away $15.5k plus 20% of your net self-employment income into a pre-tax retirement savings account. With a Solo 401k, you are able to max out your salary deferrals if your employer does not offer you a 401k or 403b plan.

If you're married, make sure to check that your spouse is maxing out her salary deferrals at work for 2008.

Otherwise, I assume the group you joined has a retirement plan - just not a 401k plan. If they don't have a plan, you need to try to convince the partners to set one up for next year.

Zip Code: 01801