How to Retire: 20 lessons for a happy, successful, and wealthy retirement

I’m four years away from retirement and am looking ahead to try and get prepared; I just don’t know how and what to prepare for, which is why I chose this book. Much of the book is about the financial aspects of retiring, which is certainly important, and while I did gain some more knowledge about tax and estate strategies, the most interesting parts (to me) explored the more personal subjects of retirement. What will I do with my days? Will I lose my sense of purpose? Should we move? If we stay, is our house suitable for aging? How will my final wishes be fulfilled once I can no longer communicate them? What things should be communicated with our children and when? These and other things are discussed which was/is very helpful for me, although a little overwhelming to consider all at once. Fortunately I have time to prepare and consider these things as it draws closer. In the month since finishing the book I have bought a kit that organizes all of our financial and personal information (accounts, real estate, power of attorneys, will, passwords, etc…) so when I pass away my family will not have to search around for everything. I am starting to fill it and have already communicated with them where to find it. I have also made progress on what I might do with (some of) my time to maintain a sense of purpose and that has actually energized me with something to look forward to spending time on that is meaningful to me (beyond paying the bills and saving). Small things, maybe, but significant in that I now have more direction on my path to retirement; and that definitely reduces my anxiety about the future. I’ve been recommending it to my family and friends so I certainly recommend it to you.

Too bad this book didn't come out before we were retired, but there are still good lessons. I've read Benz for years via Morningstar. She interviews 20 individuals she's met over the years from topics as diverse as how to approach taking Social Security, to insights from a hospice doctor. A number of those individuals interviewed are published authors, and after borrowing books from the library, we've purchased an additional three books, more possibly to come. We are now gifting this book to others, it's that good.

This book is an easy read, organized as conversations with 20 experts on different aspects of retirement. It might be a too-easy read--in places, I would love to see some calculations or templates or something. But it, along with my own research as I approach retirement, has already inspired me to make choices (like moving some money from some riskier investments into cash, so that we won't have to sell investments in the middle of a market downturn--and you KNOW one is coming--just to pay the regular bills) and to rethink some choices (like when, exactly, my spouse and I should claim Social Security benefits--if the higher earning spouse delays, that can mean substantially larger survivor benefits for the lower-earning spouse, and for the rest of their life). I have also taken some steps--exploring volunteering opportunities--toward building those post-retirement relationships and activities that can make the difference between a rewarding retirement and a depressing isolation. This is not a high-end financial guide. I haven't yet run into tables or templates or formulas. And you might fault the book for too much promotion of the individual experts' other ventures, like their website or their newsletter. But the book does give a nice taste of a lot of relevant advice. Yes, it is an America-focused book. It would be great to have similar volumes targeted at retirees in other countries. I think the advice and suggestions are delivered in a useful way and I would like to see more prospective retirees benefit. Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase.

Getting to retirement is a lifetime achievement award in itself. The money and mechanics of going through the steps to retire can be rigorous. For some, too rigorous. That’s where this book absolutely begins and absolutely shines. What many (most?) people come to realize too quickly about retirement is: “Now I’m here. What do I do now?” Your working life dictated what you do on a given day, and every day of the week. In retirement, you structure your days according to your likes, dislikes, aspirations, dreams, goals, enjoyment, comfort, legacy, or discipline. If you don’t know what you are going to do for your daily structure you will deteriorate into unhealthy habits or worse. The author takes a unique approach. In each chapter she interviews different experts about aspects of getting to, and being in retirement. Finances and money planning, sure. But those are the vehicles that get you there. Now you’ve arrived. How do you handle each day? These are the questions that she asks each expert. In one chapter she turns the tables and has an interviewer ask her questions. Very interesting approach. Whether you are early in your career, nearing retirement, or have already retired, this book is a valuable resource to guide you through the questions of probably the most interesting chapter in your entire lifetime.

This is interesting for everyone, especially people nearing retirement. It is also beneficial for young people to develop an understanding of their working life and learn how to choose/ prepare for a positive experience.

Recomendo para trabalhadores no activo , qualquer idade mas “obrigatório” a partir dos 50 anos. Eu li muito tarde 67 mas ainda me ajuda muito.

A good book to read.

Ce livre s'adresse aux personnes qui seront retraitées dans quelques années ou qui sont déjà retraitées. Chaque chapitre traite d'un sujet important : finance, planification successorale, occupation du temps, relations sociales ... sous forme d'un entretien entre l'auteur et des spécialistes pointus du sujet. Beaucoup de bon sens dans les propos échangés et aussi quelques idées intéressantes qui permettent des remises en question. Références très claires après chaque chapitre si on veut approfondir. Pour nous européens les chapitres sur les astuces fiscales US sont sans intérêt mais cela concerne une très petite partie du livre (c'est pour cela que j'enlève une étoile). Je recommande vivement la lecture

Through the interviews done by the author, you will view retirement from many angles. And you are bound to learn something which you may not have thought of. One of the best books on retirement.