The Ultimate Retirement Fix

Has the market's recent meltdown messed with your retirement plans? Join the club. But there is a solution — and it doesn't involve billion-dollar bailouts or a continued surge in the stock market.
The ultimate fix is to work a little longer.

Now, we're not talking here about serving lattes for strangers when you're 90. As little as two to four extra years in the workforce can make up for a lot of mistakes and bear markets. But to stay gainfully employed into your 60s, you'll want to update your skills and buff up your attitude. Indeed, the attitude adjustment may do more to revive your retirement plan than a market rebound, says Alicia Munnell, one of the nation's foremost retirement experts.

Yes, maybe you will spend a few years less than you planned on the golf course in your golden years, but the path to a financially secure retirement is clear. As Munnell puts it: "Suck it up." And get back to work.

• Crash Course: Be a Catch in the Post-50 Job Pool
• Briefing: The Case for Retiring Later
• Alicia Munnell: "Now We're Just Going to Have to Suck It Up Longer"
• Video: How to Retire Well? Retire Later