If you have x amount of dollars in the bank but want to make it retirement .after you made your 2008

Question

contribution to your retirment ..can you put more money in your retirment ????so no one else can get it

Answer 1

You can only put a certain amount per year into your retirement but that amount depends on your age and your income.  If you have more than that, just open up a regular mutual funds account and it will be safe from anyone else getting it.

Answer 2

For 2008 your maximum retirement contribution is $5000 or your earned income whichever is lower.  If you are older than 50, your maximum contribution is $6000 or your earned income whichever is lower.  

You do not have to contribute the entire amount at one time.  You can put in $1000 in January, $2000 in March and rest in December.

If you are married and your spouse does not work, there are rules for contributing to your spouse's retirement.  If you are older than 70 1/2, you can't contribute at all.

Best wishes.