Sometimes, the biggest transitions in life feel… overwhelming. I remember when my own mom retired. She’s always been the rock of our family, the one who kept everything running smoothly. Suddenly, she wasn’t doing that anymore. She felt lost, like a ship without a rudder. We all worried about her. It wasn’t that we thought she shouldn’t retire – she absolutely deserved it! It was just… what comes next?
That feeling – that uncertainty about what your days will hold – is something many of us face. Retirement isn’t just about stopping work; it’s about starting a whole new chapter. It's a chance to rediscover yourself, to pursue passions you’ve put on hold, and to truly define what makes you happy. But figuring out that "next chapter" can feel daunting.
That’s why I’ve put together this collection of books. These aren’t just about finances, though those are important too. They’re about finding purpose, navigating change, and embracing the possibilities that retirement can bring. They’re for anyone – whether you're years away from retiring, just starting out, or somewhere in between – who wants to approach this next phase of life with intention, joy, and a whole lot of hope.
Retirement Watch: The Essential Guide to Retiring in the 2020's
This book is a comprehensive guide for those nearing retirement or already in the early years of retirement. The author, a renowned retirement expert, shares tried and true investment strategies that have proven successful in the past. However, the 2020s are likely to be a challenging time for retirees due to several factors. The rapid increase in the number of Baby Boomers reaching 65 will put pressure on the foundations of retirement, including Social Security and Medicare. The high returns in stocks and other investments since 2009 may not be sustainable, leading to lower investment returns during this period. Additionally, interest rates on traditional retirement income investments are at an all-time low, and taxes imposed by all levels of government are likely to increase. Many retirees, especially those in the Baby Boomer generation, made mistakes in the past, such as underoptimum decisions about Social Security, Medicare, and other key retirement issues. The author emphasizes the importance of making the right decisions about all aspects of retirement finances, providing guidance on key issues faced in the five years before and after retirement.
I'll never forget the anxiety my grandmother felt when her husband passed away, leaving her with a substantial inheritance. She had never managed money before and didn't know where to start. I helped her create a budget, and it was overwhelming, but with my guidance, we made progress. I wish I had a guide like this book when my grandmother needed it most. Many people feel like they're starting from scratch, but it's never too late to make informed decisions about their retirement finances. This book offers practical advice and reassurance, helping readers navigate the challenges ahead. By following the author's guidance, readers can increase their chances of a secure and fulfilling retirement.
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Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement: The Secret to Freedom, Flexibility, and Financial Independence (& how to get started!)
When I think about what it means to be financially free, I am reminded of the countless conversations I've had with friends and family members who feel trapped in their 9-to-5 jobs. The idea of breaking free from the monotony of a daily routine and creating a life that truly reflects our passions and values is a powerful one. But let's be real, it's not always easy. Most of us are faced with the daunting task of accumulating a significant amount of money in order to achieve this financial independence. The numbers can be staggering - two million dollars, to be exact, is the amount needed to retire comfortably, assuming a 40-hour workweek and a pinch-your-pantry lifestyle. But what if I told you that it's not just about the money? That there are ways to create a passive income stream that can set you free, even if you're just starting out. This audiobook is all about that. Through a refreshingly realistic guide, the author shares tried and true methods for achieving financial independence, creating long-term residual income, and living life on your own terms. What's more, the author isn't afraid to share the stories of successful people who have already implemented these strategies, including multi-millionaire real estate mogul David Osborn and bestselling author Hal Elrod. It's a reminder that financial independence is within reach, no matter where we are in our lives.
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An Uncommon Guide to Retirement: Finding God's Purpose for the Next Season of Life
This book is a must-read for anyone facing the question of what to do with their retirement. The author, Jeff Haanen, understands that retirement is not just a time of leisure, but also a time of transition and purpose. As someone who has worked tirelessly for decades, it can be tempting to view retirement as a luxury we can't afford or a means to simply rest and recoup, but what if our purpose doesn't end with our work? What if we're being called to something more? The book offers a refreshing and practical approach to understanding God's purpose for our retirement. By taking a step back from our usual thinking and listening to His voice, we can begin to hear our own calling and find a sense of purpose that goes beyond our work. The author also invites us to rethink what it means to "work" in retirement, to explore our family systems, and to leave a lasting legacy. The book is a gentle and compassionate guide that encourages us to approach retirement with a sense of hope, rest, and purpose. It's a reminder that retirement doesn't have to be a time of distress, but rather a time to listen to God's voice and find a way to honor Him in our next chapter of life.
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Retiring
As I sit down to write about this book, I am reminded of my own grandparents who retired in their sixties. My grandmother, who had spent decades working as a nurse, was struggling to find meaning and purpose in her post-work life. She would often tell me about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around her. It was only when I started reading this book that I realized I wasn't alone in this struggle. The authors have beautifully woven together the stories of 14 people who have gone through this major life transition, to show us that retiring is not just about leaving a job, but about redefining oneself and one's place in the world. With over 200 interviews and a wealth of practical advice, this book takes us on a journey through the four big tasks of retiring: making the decision, detaching from work, building a new life structure, and settling into a new life. We see how each person's experience is unique, yet how all of them found common themes in their struggles and triumphs. The book shows us how life satisfaction depends on alignment between our inner self, our life structure, and our external context. It's a powerful reminder that retirement is not just about time, but about meaning, connection, and purpose.
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The Four Phases of Retirement: What to Expect When You're Retiring
I've recently read a book that has had a significant impact on my perspective of retirement, and I couldn't help but think of my own parents as they've navigated this phase of their lives. The book explains that retirement is not a singular event, but rather a transition through four distinct phases. Initially, it's a period of adjustment, where you're still getting used to having more free time and don't know how to fill it. As you settle into this new rhythm, you may start to feel a sense of liberation, but also perhaps some anxiety about whether this is it for your life. The second phase is often marked by a re-evaluation of priorities and a desire to pursue long-held passions or interests. However, this can also be a time of loneliness and disconnection from others. The third phase is where you start to feel a sense of restlessness, as the initial excitement of retirement wears off and you begin to wonder if you've done enough with your life. Finally, in the fourth and final phase, you may experience a sense of acceptance and contentment, where you've come to terms with your past and are able to live in the present. This book provides a much-needed framework for understanding these phases and offers practical advice on how to navigate the challenges that come with each one.
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