That's why the WorkBytes staff, fresh from a protracted labor squabble, has hastily assembled this investment primer to help you, the reader, navigate the sometimes complex world of retirement planning.

I won't bore you with the details, and I won't try to impress you by throwing around a bunch of business-based words such as fiduciary, defined benefit, asset allocation funds, or Ssangyong (South Korea's No. 4 automaker).

But when it comes to your retirement years, it's clear that a good 401(k) can mean the difference between a condo in Scottsdale, Ariz., and eating cat food on a cracker while waiting for the grandkids to call.

Yet studies show many employees are clueless about their 401(k) options. Still more want to know what the little (k) stands for in the first place.

Well, don't hold your breath waiting for answers from politicians. For example, despite approximately seven straight years of campaigning, the issue came up only once during presidential debates:

• Candidate 1: "Does it have something to do with terrorists? Because if it does, I will hunt it down and kill it."
• Candidate 2: "I know you are, but what am I?"

Bottom line: If your boss offers a 401(k) program, make sure you devote a percentage of your salary. Think of it as a forced habit that will pay off in the long run — like changing your oil between meals, or flossing every 3,000 miles.

Dallas L. Salisbury of the Employee Benefit Research Institute recommends 15 percent, and advises to "do it consistently." If your boss is nice enough to match your contribution, that's free money. Enough said.

Also, experts say, take the time to find out how your 401(k) money is being invested. That way you can make sure those hard-earned shillings are going, for instance, to Home Depot (up $0.59) rather than the Lumberyard (-$1, -$1, -$1).

In many 401(k) programs, you are allowed to shift your cash within various investment funds. My company fixed it last week so I can download the data and set up an online budget to help me reach my financial goals. (I swore I'd do it this weekend. Right after the football game.)

Another handy tool is an online retirement calculator, such as www.bloomberg.com/analysis/calculators/retire.html.

It's easy. Step one, plug in your personal financial information. Step two, wait for your computer to unfreeze. (This should take until halftime or longer.)

With all this information and help out there, it's hard to imagine why so many people still think 401(k) is some kind of long-distance foot race.

According to a CIGNA Retirement & Investment Services survey of "millennials" — you guys born after 1979 who are just entering the work force:

• About 65 percent of you participate in your company's 401(k) plan.
• A full 33 percent don't.
• The rest of you think Britney should take a break from touring and settle down to have a baby.

The best thing about a 401(k) plan is that you can mostly ignore it for years — or until you realize that "studying up real good and going on 'Jeopardy' " is a not a fail-safe retirement plan — and it will be there waiting.