Sometimes, I look out at the mountains surrounding Anchorage and think about what it means to truly settle here. It’s more than just a beautiful view; it’s about building a life, a family, and a future you can feel good about. I’m reminded of my own grandmother, a fiercely independent woman who worked tirelessly her entire life, only to face unexpected health challenges later on. Seeing her struggle, and the worry it caused my family, really opened my eyes to the importance of planning – not just for money, but for everything that makes up a secure and fulfilling life.
That’s why I put together this list of books. It's for all of us in Alaska, for families dreaming of a comfortable retirement, for those wanting to understand their options, and for anyone feeling a little unsure about what the future holds. These aren’t complicated financial textbooks; they’re practical guides, filled with real-world advice that can help you navigate everything from saving for retirement to thinking about the less comfortable, but equally important, aspects of planning for the unexpected. Let’s explore these books together and build a brighter, more secure future, one page at a time.
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
This book is a powerful guide to taking control of your finances and achieving financial fitness. The author shares inspiring success stories that demonstrate the transformative power of his approach. Unlike many self-help books, this one offers a practical, no-nonsense plan that is based on real-life experience. The author tackles the many myths and misconceptions surrounding money matters, exposing the dangers of debt and financial pitfalls. He also challenges the societal pressure to keep up with consumerism and overspending, encouraging readers to think differently about what is truly important. What sets this book apart is its focus on understanding the root causes of financial struggles and providing a comprehensive plan to overcome them. The author's approach is simple yet effective, and his message of hope and empowerment is both uplifting and reassuring. Throughout the book, the author's characteristic candor and straightforwardness make it easy to relate to his ideas and feel motivated to take action. The result is a book that is not just a theory, but a proven, step-by-step guide to achieving financial freedom and a more stable future.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
How to Retire the Cheapskate Way: The Ultimate Cheapskate's Guide to a Better, Earlier, Happier Retirement
This book is a refreshing take on retirement planning, one that challenges the conventional wisdom of investing and expensive lifestyles. The author, with his lovable humor and offbeat anecdotes, shares a compelling case for a joyous, worry-free retirement by focusing on smart spending and doing what truly matters. The book is a treasure trove of retirement secrets and tips, from simple ways to reduce expenses to dozens of fun ways to earn extra income during retirement. What's more, the author has a knack for making complex financial concepts accessible and easy to understand, making this book a must-read for anyone looking to plan a better, earlier, and happier retirement. With its emphasis on living frugally and staying true to oneself, this book is like a breath of fresh air in a world where retirement planning is often a daunting task. The author's stories of frugal retirees and everyday people working towards a better retirement are inspiring and relatable, making it easy to become invested in the Cheapskate Way. Through its combination of everyday practical tips, life-changing financial strategies, and real-life stories, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make the most of their golden years.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Modern Real Estate Investing: The Delaware Statutory Trust
This book is about a new way to invest in real estate that's called the Delaware Statutory Trust, or DST for short. It's a way for people to invest in big buildings and properties that are usually hard for individual investors to afford, like many of us who try to save for a house. The author, John Harvey, explains how this structure works using laws that have been around for over a hundred years, and how it can help people build a diverse portfolio of properties, which can help balance the risk of investing. The book also talks about how this can be a good way for smaller investors to invest in properties that would be out of their reach otherwise. One of the best things about this system is that it allows people to do a type of exchange called a 1031 exchange, which can help them avoid paying taxes on their gains. Imagine being able to delay paying taxes, and then having that money reinvested and growing over time. It's a great concept, and the book does a wonderful job of explaining it in a clear and easy-to-understand way. The book also provides examples of what to do and what not to do in this process, and even includes insights from an experienced DST investor named Kosmas G. Toskos. Throughout the book, the author does a great job of breaking down the process into smaller, manageable steps, making it feel less overwhelming and more accessible. What I find especially inspiring about this concept is the potential it holds for people to build wealth and achieve their long-term financial goals. By understanding how the DST works, and how it can be used to invest in real estate, people can take control of their financial futures and build a more secure financial reality.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Unretirement: How Baby Boomers are Changing the Way We Think About Work, Community, and the Good Life
The idea of retirement has become synonymous with withdrawal and a decrease in productivity, but this couldn't be further from the truth. A recent phenomenon is changing the way we think about work, community, and the good life, and it's being driven by the baby boomer generation. These individuals, who are living longer in better health than any before, are finding new meaning and motivation in work and community, extending their working lives, often with new careers, entrepreneurial ventures, and volunteer service. This unexpected turn of events is not a result of desperation or financial necessity, but rather a natural evolution of human nature, where people have always found purpose and fulfillment in their daily activities. As a result, the boomer generation's continued earnings and experience will not only enrich the American workplace and treasury, but also provide valuable insights and practical advice for those navigating this exciting and unsettled new frontier. By redefining what it means to be "productive," the baby boomer generation is opening up new opportunities for social interaction, skill-sharing, and community engagement, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and dynamic society.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
I Hope You Die Laughing: A Beginner's Guide to Estate Planning
This book is an insightful and witty guide that takes you on a journey through life's final chapter with humor and grace. The author shares a unique approach to estate planning, turning daunting legal processes into manageable and even enjoyable tasks. As I reflect on my own experiences with planning for the future, I remember the countless conversations I had with loved ones, worried about who would inherit what and how they would be taken care of. The author's approach is a breath of fresh air, acknowledging that estate planning isn't just about numbers and figures, but about the values and stories that make us who we are. With humor and empathy, the author breaks down the complexities of legacy planning, making it easy to understand and implement. The book is full of practical advice and real-life examples, helping you secure your legacy, make informed decisions, and leave your loved ones with clear, stress-free plans. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to take control of their final chapter, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make the most of their life and leave a lasting impact on those who will come after them.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)