How to Crack Into Your Nest Egg

As you approach retirement, it's time to start touching the untouchable -- your retirement plan -- as you will be required by law to begin withdrawing from your plan or plans.

How and when you start taking your distributions can be tricky, and the wrong move can diminish your retirement assets.

To make sure you get the most out of your retirement plan, here are four options to keep in mind:

Taking Your Lump

If you have a retirement plan such as a 401(k), SEP, Keogh, SIMPLE or a traditional IRA, you must begin taking regular distributions, generally by April 1 of the year after the year you turn 70½. This is determined by the Uniform Lifetime Table that can be found on the IRS Web site. This chart is based on how much longer the IRS expects you to live, and determines how much you need to withdraw. ...