Older workers in states with tougher laws against age discrimination faced longer periods of unemployment after the 2007-2009 recession compared with younger workers, according to a Federal Reserve study.

The highest-ranking state for workplace retirement plan participation in 2012, Iowa, had only 54 percent of private employees participating in a pension or 401(k).

Now is a good time for employees to know what they can do to maximize the tax benefits they receive from participating in their employer-sponsored 401(k) plan.