Sometimes, I look out at the mountains surrounding Juneau, and I think about my grandma. She worked her whole life, a seamstress with hands that could mend anything, and always worried about having enough. She never really got to enjoy a true retirement, always fretting about medical bills and whether she’s left enough for my mom. Seeing that worry etched on her face made me realize how important it is to plan, not just for ourselves, but for our families too.
Retirement feels like a dream for many of us, a time for hiking trails, spending time with loved ones, and finally pursuing those passions we’d put on hold. But the truth is, a secure future – whether you’re here in Alaska or somewhere else – requires more than just hoping for the best. It needs understanding, planning, and a willingness to learn.
That’s why I’ve put together this list. These aren’t just books about money; they're about peace of mind, about protecting your family, and about building a future where you can truly live, not just survive. They're about empowering you to take control, especially when things feel uncertain, whether it's navigating healthcare costs, understanding estate planning, or simply feeling confident about your financial future. Let’s dive in and start building that secure future, together.
Coronavirus Crash, Money & Survival: Thoroughly understanding money is literally a life and death matter.
I recently had a member of my book club share with me how this book had helped them re-evaluate their entire financial plan after being affected by the pandemic. They were struggling to make ends meet and were feeling overwhelmed by the constant change and uncertainty. This book provided them with a sense of clarity and direction, helping them to make informed decisions about their money and future. The author's message of resilience and adaptability resonated deeply with them, and they found it easy to relate to their own experiences. The book also helped them to think differently about the economy and politics, and how their individual actions could contribute to a larger impact. The author's approach is not just about personal finance, but also about how to navigate the broader societal and economic landscape. The book's message is one of hope and empowerment, encouraging readers to take control of their own financial futures and to be proactive in building resilience in the face of uncertainty. Through its accessible and straightforward language, the book provides a clear roadmap for navigating the financial challenges of today's world, and offers practical advice and strategies for building a more stable and secure financial future.
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Start Late, Finish Rich: A No-Fail Plan for Achieving Financial Freedom at Any Age
This book has been a beacon of hope for many people who have felt like they're running out of time to achieve financial freedom. The author's message is simple yet powerful: it's never too late to start. I've seen firsthand how life can get in the way, and how easily our priorities can shift. I know that feeling of overwhelm, of feeling like there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. But what if I told you that you can create a plan to catch up on your finances, to get back on track and start building wealth? The author's plan is tailored to help you do just that. He gives you step-by-step instructions, worksheets, and resources to help you understand where you are financially and how to make a plan to get where you want to be. It's not about depriving yourself of things you enjoy, but about making conscious choices that will set you up for long-term financial security. The author's approach is inspiring and motivating, and his "catch up" plan is designed to be easy to follow, even for those who may feel like they're behind. What I love most about this book is its message of hope and empowerment. It reminds us that we all have the power to change our financial situation, no matter where we are or what's happened in the past. With the author's guidance, you can start to build wealth, pay off debt, and create a brighter financial future for yourself.
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The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb: How to Take Financial Control, Avoid Unnecessary Taxes, and Combat the Latest Threats to Your Retirement Savings
This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to take control of their retirement savings. The author, Ed Slott, is a renowned tax advisor who has helped countless people avoid the costly mistakes that can deplete their retirement funds. With the current financial crisis, it's more important than ever to protect our assets, and Slott's plan is a game-changer. He explains how our most valuable asset - our retirement fund - is being drained by taxes, and how we can avoid this by making a few simple changes to our retirement savings plan. The book is easy to understand, even for those who aren't familiar with taxes, and Slott's enthusiasm and expertise shine through on every page. One of the things that struck me about this book was the author's personal story. He shares how his own family members struggled with retirement savings, and how he was able to help them avoid the same mistakes that had cost them dearly. This story resonated with me, as I've seen it play out with my own friends and family members. The book also includes a downloadable PDF containing reference charts and resources, which is a fantastic bonus. Overall, this book is a lifesaver for anyone who wants to ensure their retirement savings last as long as they do.
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Executor Help: How to Settle an Estate Pick an Executor and Avoid Family Fights
I recently had the privilege of listening to an audiobook that I believe every individual should hear before it's too late. The book is all about the importance of having someone you trust to handle your estate after you're gone. The author, David Edey, shares his own personal experience with estate planning, which gives the book a sense of authenticity and urgency. What struck me most about this book is how it highlights the potential pitfalls of not having a plan in place. Imagine not knowing who to turn to when you're gone, or who will make sure that your wishes are carried out. This can lead to family fights, wasted time, and even financial losses. The book is filled with practical advice and real-life examples that illustrate the consequences of not planning ahead. By listening to this audiobook, you'll learn how to choose the right person for the job, how to communicate effectively with your loved ones, and how to avoid common mistakes. What I loved most about this book is its clarity and concision. The author is not there to sugarcoat the issues or make it sound too easy, but to give you the straight truth in a way that's easy to understand. He also shares many heartwarming stories of people who have benefited from careful planning, and you can't help but be inspired by their examples. Overall, this book will make you think about your own estate planning in a whole new way, and encourage you to take action before it's too late.
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Getting Started in A Financially Secure Retirement: Pre- and Post-Retirement Planning in a Time of Great Uncertainty
As I reflect on the journey to financial security in retirement, I am reminded of the importance of having a clear understanding of one's goals and the path to achieve them. For many of us, retirement planning can be a daunting task, especially with the numerous assumptions and outdated advice that are often touted as solutions. This is where the author's personal experience comes into play. After retiring from the corporate world themselves, they discovered that much of the retirement planning advice available wasn't helping people achieve their goals. The author has now shared their expertise in their book, which aims to provide reliable and practical information to help individuals chart their course towards a financially secure retirement. By dismissing outdated assumptions and addressing pressing retirement issues, such as budgeting, cost averaging, and resilience, the author aims to empower readers to make informed financial decisions that align with their goals. Through in-depth insights, practical advice, and helpful tools, this book offers a fresh and accessible approach to retirement planning, one that readers can apply to their own situation, whether they're already retired or still working.
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