Pat yourself on the back. You’ve been diligently stashing cash into your 401(k) and so far, you have a pretty impressive nest egg to show for it. Now what? For many do-it-yourself investors, figuring out how to keep the momentum going feels like trying to solve the Rubik’s Cube blindfolded.

Sure, there are enough options and opportunities to leave you puzzled and confused, but don’t let that paralyze you! The truth is, there are several foolproof techniques you can use to successfully manage your 401(k).

Here are four easy ways to become a 401(k) whiz:

Pick the Right Combo

One of the most intimidating decisions you will have to make is choosing your asset allocation. The investment lineup you choose helps determine the rate at which your account will potentially grow. But before you randomly choose a group of funds, look at your risk tolerance. Your risk tolerance is not just about your comfort level with loss – it includes your goals, your time horizon for each goal, additional financial assets and the stability of your job.

Once you’ve done a gut check, get to know the different types of investments available in your 401(k). The investments are easy to research because theres lots of information accessible. This is a decision that should not be taken lightly – choosing the right combination of investments is essential to creating a portfolio that best suits your long-term needs.

An easier way: Instead of spending hours researching the funds available in your plan, find a professional to help you choose what funds to pick. Smart401k ® is an independent provider of retirement investment advice, helping thousands of people navigate the 401(k) game.

Go Big or Go Home

For many people, their 401(k) contributions help lower their taxable income and allow them to keep more of their hard-earned paycheck while also saving for their financial future. You definitely want to take advantage of these benefits and max out your contribution.

For 2014, the maximum amount of compensation an employee can defer to a 401(k) plan is $17,500. Employees age 50 and older are allowed to make additional catch-up contributions of up to $5,500. The maximum allowable employer/employee joint contribution limit remains at $51,000 for 2014 (or $56,500 for those aged 50 and older). [1]

An easier way : If you’re not able to contribute to the IRS maximum, at least take full advantage of your employer match (if offered). The most common match is 50.0 percent of your personal contributions, up to 6.0 percent of your salary. So if you’re starting below your goal, plan to increase your contribution by 1.0 percent a year.

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

It’s highly important to manage your 401(k); however, information is worthless unless it’s actionable, so don’t stalk it. Take the time once a year to review your life circumstances and long-term goals. Based upon the results of your review, consider whether you need to adjust your allocation. Even if nothing has changed, you may need to rebalance your portfolio to bring it back into line with your objectives and to make sure you’re not overexposed to any particular investment or asset class.

An easier way : Be patient. Discipline yourself to maintain your allocation through down markets as well as up markets. Make an anniversary date to spend quality time with your 401(k) to confirm you’re on the right track.

Learn Like the Pros

Occasionally, the plan administrator may alter the makeup of your 401(k) plan, so you should stay informed about this process and get involved if you can. You also should study your summary plan description that lays out the rules, schedules and procedures of your 401(k). Expect to examine your individual benefit statement at least once every 12 months, though you may have to request assistance from your plan administrator or human resources department. While some account statements are relatively easy to decipher, others may be more difficult to interpret.

An easier way : If you still feel uneasy about managing your 401(k) alone, reach out to a qualified investment advisor who will walk you through the process.

Make the easiest choice of all and become a Smart401k member for free! Get the details here.

[1] According to the IRS