The types of accounts you choose are critically important to maximizing your retirement resources. Unfortunately, by their 40s and 50s, many people have accumulated a jumble of random accounts from previous employers or past financial advisors. Ignoring these accounts can cost money through fees or the “opportunity cost” of staying with a bad choice. Whether you're organizing a glut of scattered accounts or starting from scratch, understanding the features, advantages, and disadvantages of each type of account will help make sure your nest egg benefits you now as well as in retirement.