The basis of retirement planning is to minimize taxes. The minimum to invest for retirement is 10% of gross income if you want to maintain your current standard of living.

Note that this video is for informational use only, and I'm not endorsing or recommending any specific product or service from any specific investment or insurance company. Do you homework, and talk to your local advisor for specifics regarding your exact situation, and what's best for you.

IRS: Retirement Plans:
http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Sponsor/Types-of-Retirement-Plans-1

Forbes: Want To Be A Millionaire In Retirement? Start Saving 10% Of Your Salary In Your 20s.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jennifereum/2014/10/30/want-to-be-a-millionaire-in-retirement-start-saving-10-of-your-salary-in-your-20s/

IS SOCIAL SECURITY WELFARE?:
http://fff.org/explore-freedom/article/is-social-security-welfare/

Treasury.gov: Intergovernmental Debt (Social Security Trust Fund)
https://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/charts/principal/principal_govpub.htm

401K VS IRA:
http://www.fool.com/retirement/iras/2014/10/22/ira-vs-401k-which-is-better-for-you.aspx

Investment Only Variable Annuities (IOVA):
http://www.annuityfyi.com/variable-annuities/recent-variable-annuity-innovations-provide-growth-safety/