Sometimes, I think back to my grandmother. She worked so hard her whole life, always putting everyone else first. When she finally reached retirement, she worried constantly – not about enjoying herself, but about whether her savings would last. It broke my heart to see her so stressed, especially after all she's given. That’s why I started this book club – to help people feel secure and confident about their future, whether they're dreaming of a cozy Alaska retirement, planning for their family's wellbeing, or just trying to breathe a little easier about money.
We all want to feel prepared, especially when it comes to things like healthcare, a potential move to Anchorage, or just making sure our loved ones are taken care of. These aren’t always easy conversations to have, or topics to research. That’s why I’ve put together this list of books – to offer clear, helpful guidance in a way that feels supportive and understandable. No complicated jargon, just practical steps you can take to build a brighter, more secure future for yourself and your family. Let's dive in together!
Saving for Retirement without Living Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery: Retirement Planning Made Easy
This book is a game-changer for anyone looking to secure their financial future. It's a clear and concise guide that breaks down retirement planning into simple, step-by-step steps. The author, a renowned personal finance columnist, has listened to thousands of readers' concerns and questions over the years, and has distilled their experiences into a practical and accessible roadmap for achieving financial freedom. One of the most important things to remember is that the earlier you start planning, the sooner you can begin enjoying the benefits of your hard work. The book provides a wealth of information on topics such as investing, saving, and debt management, and offers expert advice on how to get the most out of your retirement savings. What I love most about this book is its emphasis on simplicity and practicality. The author doesn't shy away from tackling complex financial topics, but instead, makes them easy to understand and implement. The book is full of real-life examples and anecdotes that illustrate the importance of planning for the future. I've seen firsthand the impact that financial stress can have on people's lives, and this book offers a beacon of hope for those who feel overwhelmed. By following the advice in this book, anyone can take control of their financial future and start building a more secure retirement.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
The Relaxing Retirement Formula: For the Confidence to Liberate What You’ve Saved and Start Living the Life You’ve Earned
This book is about overcoming the anxiety and uncertainty that can hold people back from enjoying their retirement. The author, Jack Phelps, understands that many of us work hard our entire lives to save money for our golden years, but when the time comes to transition, we can get stuck in a cycle of doubt and fear. We worry about whether we've saved enough, how to make our retirement investments last, and how to confidently spend the money we've worked for. This can lead to us staying in the workforce longer than we need to or depriving ourselves of the freedom to live the life we've always wanted. Jack Phelps, a retirement coach, acknowledges that it's natural to feel anxious about retirement and offers a simple, step-by-step formula to help us regain our financial confidence. By following this formula, we can break free from these worries and start living the life we've earned, free from financial uncertainty and anxiety.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
How to Make Your Money Last - Completely Updated for Planning Today: The Indispensable Retirement Guide
I recently led a book club discussion on a book that has been a personal favorite of mine, and I wanted to share my thoughts on it with you. The book provides simple, straightforward solutions to the universal retirement dilemma. The author shares her expertise on how to squeeze a higher income from all your assets, including your social security account, pension, home equity, savings, retirement accounts, and more. She shows you how to use your savings safely to raise your monthly income and how to evaluate your real risks. The author rethinks the meaning of "income investing" by combining reliable cash flow during the early years of your retirement with low-risk growth investments, to provide extra money for your later years. It's a reassuring thought that if you stick with super-safe investment choices, your money might not last, but if you rely on traditional income investments, the same might be true. The book is especially relevant for people newly retired or planning to retire, as it provides them with a roadmap to create a "homemade" paycheck that will last for life. The author's approach is easy to understand, and her advice is practical and accessible. She also shares personal anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate her points, making the book feel more relatable and down-to-earth.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
Budget Happy: the win-win secret to saving and spending money
As I reflect on my own journey with money, I realize that many of us struggle with the concept of budgeting. For me, it was a source of stress and anxiety, making me feel like I was living paycheck to paycheck with no control over my finances. But I've been fortunate enough to find a solution that has transformed my relationship with money. A simple yet powerful technique that has helped me make smart decisions, plan my spending carefully, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing I have a safety net. I discovered this technique during the 2021 lockdown, when I stumbled upon a popular TikTok challenge called "cash-stuffing." I was intrigued by the idea of dividing my spending money into sections and tracking it in a binder. With newfound determination, I took the leap and started implementing this method in my own life. What I've learned is that it's not about depriving ourselves of things we enjoy, but about making conscious choices that align with our values and priorities. By breaking down my spending into manageable categories and tracking my progress, I've been able to save money, pay off debt, and build a financial cushion that gives me confidence. I'm excited to share my personal journey and this powerful tool with you, and I hope that by the end of reading this book, you'll feel empowered to take control of your own finances and start living the life you deserve.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)
How to Love Your Retirement: The Guide to the Best of Your Life (Hundreds of Heads Survival Guides)
This book is a heartfelt and entertaining guide that will inspire you to make the most out of your retirement years. The stories shared in this book are a testament to the fact that retirement doesn't have to be boring or lonely. I've had the chance to meet many retirees who have experienced the freedom and joy that comes with this phase of life, and their stories are a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and interests. The author has done an excellent job of weaving together hundreds of real-life experiences, from picking the perfect time to retire, to traveling the world, to staying fit and healthy, and even becoming a grandparent. What I love most about this book is the way it challenges the common myths about retirement, instead offering practical advice and humorous anecdotes that will leave you feeling motivated and inspired to create your own golden years. Whether you're approaching retirement or have already begun this exciting chapter of life, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to make the most of their time.
Discover this book on Amazon (affiliate link)