Among the best stories from Retirement Daily for Jan. 7 - 11: Check your 1099-R, investing in the most tax-efficient ways and Social Security spousal benefits.

There's plenty to do in January, writes Bob Powell. But there's one item on your to-do list that you might have overlooked.

That would be to check your 1099-R, the form used to report the distribution of retirement benefits such as pensions, annuities or other retirement plans.

"January is a good time to check 2018 Forms 1099-R that will be sent by the IRA custodian or plan administrator for accuracy," says Sarah Brenner, an IRA analyst with Ed Slott and Company.

"Mistakes are not uncommon and may be able to be fixed more easily if caught early," she says. "It also is a smart idea to check any year-end retirement account statements to be sure all information is correct."

Read more from Tip of the Week: Check Your 1099-R.

And in case you missed them, here are some of this week's best stories from Retirement Daily.

When a Roth IRA Is Not Your Best Option

Roth IRAs, along with their cousin, the Roth 401(k), are one of the best options for many to save for retirement. It is not a surprise that financial advisers often recommend them as these types of accounts can provide many great benefits including tax-deferred growth on your investment, allowing the full amount of profits to be reinvested year over year and compounded over time. Adviser Vladimir Kouznetsov talks about how to know which type of Roth retirement account is best for you, and when to use them.

What if You Won the Lottery?

Adviser Mark Bordelove says you need more than luck to be successful at capital preservation. Here are ways to improve your odds.

Retirement Resources: Best Places to Live and Work in Retirement

Where to live, what to do: Here's a group of terrific references on getting ready for and living in retirement.

Don't Let Your Retirement Capsize

Adviser Danielle Howard says chart your course carefully as you approach retirement, checking investments, potential earned-income opportunities and Social Security.

Planning in Your 50s to Avoid Surprises in Your 60s

Preparing in your 50s for different scenarios as you near retirement will make the unexpected less painful, and provide more peace of mind.

Ask Bob: How Can I Maximize My Social Security Benefits?

When you were born, when your spouse claims Social Security, and more factors can have a big impact on your benefits.

Invest for Retirement in the Most Tax-Efficient Ways

Plan ahead to minimize your taxes and maximize your retirement assets.