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The Retirement Miracle
An updated version to the National Best-Selling book "Tax-Free Retirement" with over 500,000 copies sold. This new edition includes all updated statistic showing how much in debt we really are and the solution to your own retirement. A must read for those who wants to salvage his/her retirement. This book will show you how to grow your money with zero market risk, access your retirement dollars tax-free and leave an income-tax free inheritance to your heirs.
120 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
152 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Kelly
105 books16 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 24, 2013
As an agent and advisor in the industry I have allowed the biases of others to influence my past thinking too much and so I have been slow to trumpet the power of indexed products. No longer. I strongly recommend Patrick Kelly's work to all interested in their own financial futures, but especially the disciples of some of the talking heads in the media who believe no permanent life insurance is of any value. Good stuff and a great read.
May 21, 2016
The book reads like one of those infomercials you watch between 1 and 6 a.m. It consists of extraordinary claims backed by cherry-picked facts and anecdotes. The author has a total of 14 endnotes, all referencing the Internet and several of them are incomplete (generally because they no longer exist).
According to the back cover the author is a nationally acclaimed speaker, trainer, and consultant to the financial services industry; however, I cannot find anything about him on the Internet that is not tied to this book or his other book, Tax-Free Retirement. Both books are sales aids for insurance agents.
Insurance policies and annuities are worthwhile investments as part of a well thought out investment plan. Don't buy the product solely based on this book and the advice of the agent who gave you the book. Always get a second opinion and make your own evaluation.
According to the back cover the author is a nationally acclaimed speaker, trainer, and consultant to the financial services industry; however, I cannot find anything about him on the Internet that is not tied to this book or his other book, Tax-Free Retirement. Both books are sales aids for insurance agents.
Insurance policies and annuities are worthwhile investments as part of a well thought out investment plan. Don't buy the product solely based on this book and the advice of the agent who gave you the book. Always get a second opinion and make your own evaluation.
February 21, 2015
A very good read! Lays out very informative text with a lot of valuable details. Gives a lot of useful insights about retirement and planning for insurance and finance in general. Though there is some advertising tone to the book, it gives out information how insurance works and why it is good for people who might need and want it.
April 11, 2016
It's not a stretch to call this a life-altering book, because it is.
The book opens the reader's eyes to the reality of how they can better prepare themselves for a more fruitful retirement by introducing them to the benefits of a Variable Universal Life policy. A VUL offers the chance to grow money without zero (yes, zero) risk to the market while also providing the ability to access the money without any fear of a withdraw penalty. VULs also allow the investor to leave an inheritance absolutely income tax-free.
Too good to be true? Not at all, because the author explains the ins and outs of a VUL without confusing the reader with heavy financial jargon. The book is a very quick read (I was busy, which is why it took me long) and leaves the reader to make the decision for themselves.
I read the book since it is part of my homework in my process of explaining how the VUL works. Believe me, it is true and I've already seen the benefits of it. If you are curious about VULs and want to create a better financial future for yourself, contact me here http://wealthsmartamerica.com/u/bwill....
The book opens the reader's eyes to the reality of how they can better prepare themselves for a more fruitful retirement by introducing them to the benefits of a Variable Universal Life policy. A VUL offers the chance to grow money without zero (yes, zero) risk to the market while also providing the ability to access the money without any fear of a withdraw penalty. VULs also allow the investor to leave an inheritance absolutely income tax-free.
Too good to be true? Not at all, because the author explains the ins and outs of a VUL without confusing the reader with heavy financial jargon. The book is a very quick read (I was busy, which is why it took me long) and leaves the reader to make the decision for themselves.
I read the book since it is part of my homework in my process of explaining how the VUL works. Believe me, it is true and I've already seen the benefits of it. If you are curious about VULs and want to create a better financial future for yourself, contact me here http://wealthsmartamerica.com/u/bwill....
June 10, 2016
The four star rating comes along because I kind of wish there were a book like this out there for every financial product on the market--brief, while still giving enough pertinent information for a non-financially-minded person to follow along; in-depth enough to give a solid overview, but not so technical or lengthy that the average reader loses interest. The author's occasional humor along with his tendency to repeatedly recommend further financial advice from a trusted agent made me appreciate the book even more. Probably not something I'd just pick up for a fun read, though, I'll admit, and I do feel like it's a bit one-sided (there *have* to be some downsides, and I just feel like they aren't really covered in much depth).
May 29, 2014
Very good and informative text with so many valuable point.
He is making specific suggestion for investors.
The theme of the book is a type of advertising, too many times insisting on his point which make one wonder if he is saying the truth or making a valid point based on research and facts?
He rules out all the life and insurance programs to make his own suggestion glitter .
The book is written for grown up people , but the charts and the msths which filled so many pages are for 12 years old students.
He is making specific suggestion for investors.
The theme of the book is a type of advertising, too many times insisting on his point which make one wonder if he is saying the truth or making a valid point based on research and facts?
He rules out all the life and insurance programs to make his own suggestion glitter .
The book is written for grown up people , but the charts and the msths which filled so many pages are for 12 years old students.
May 7, 2018
Miracle my @$$. IUL insurance products are one step shy of a legal fraud.
1.) Unless you are among the working poor your whole life you do not need a permanent death benefit.
2.) The complexity of these products favor the seller, not the buyer.
3.) IULs don't count dividends in their portfolio growth (losing you ~40% of market growth).
4.) IULs have market participation caps.
5.) IULs have participation rate caps.
The physical book itself is flimsy, cheap, and of a very poor production quality. The information it contains is even poorer.
http://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money...
And of course, you'll never hear an insurance salesman own up to this, but the death benefit in a whole life policy like an IUL does NOT include any cash value. When you die, your IRA and 401k and savings account all go to your heir, while the cash value of your life insurance policy GOES TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. Again, this is effectively a legal fraud.
https://www.insure.com/life-insurance...
1.) Unless you are among the working poor your whole life you do not need a permanent death benefit.
2.) The complexity of these products favor the seller, not the buyer.
3.) IULs don't count dividends in their portfolio growth (losing you ~40% of market growth).
4.) IULs have market participation caps.
5.) IULs have participation rate caps.
The physical book itself is flimsy, cheap, and of a very poor production quality. The information it contains is even poorer.
http://www.mdmag.com/physicians-money...
And of course, you'll never hear an insurance salesman own up to this, but the death benefit in a whole life policy like an IUL does NOT include any cash value. When you die, your IRA and 401k and savings account all go to your heir, while the cash value of your life insurance policy GOES TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY. Again, this is effectively a legal fraud.
https://www.insure.com/life-insurance...
March 22, 2013
I'm a financial advisor, and I teach my clients the pros & cons of indexed universal life insurance. I like the product. I recommend the product when it's a good fit for a client. I also work with indexed annuities. So, I'm familiar with the topics covered in Patrick Kelly's book, The Retirement Miracle.
Even so, this book is a good read for anyone interested in finding out HOW these things work and WHY they might be a good alternative to the deferred-taxes route of traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans.
It's an easy read, only a bit over 100 pages, and plenty of tables and graphs to illustrate the points being made (such as the difference between the myth of "average returns" and the actual results achieved in any stock market "buy and hold" scenario). Really eye-opening.
I just bought extra copies to give to clients. It's that good.
bookcover:The Retirement Miracle|13615839]
Even so, this book is a good read for anyone interested in finding out HOW these things work and WHY they might be a good alternative to the deferred-taxes route of traditional IRAs and 401(k) plans.
It's an easy read, only a bit over 100 pages, and plenty of tables and graphs to illustrate the points being made (such as the difference between the myth of "average returns" and the actual results achieved in any stock market "buy and hold" scenario). Really eye-opening.
I just bought extra copies to give to clients. It's that good.
bookcover:The Retirement Miracle|13615839]
August 20, 2013
This is a quick, easy-to-read book. Provides some interesting information on various Universal Life insurance plans and a little information at the end on Annuities - the author is especially touting the benefits on indexed Universal Life and Indexed Annuities. For people like me, that are not highly versed on the subject matter, this was good. But, it felt like the author could have used a smaller font and gone into more detail to help me better understand my options and issues. At this point, it feels like it is too good to-be-true which always makes me be on guard (my cynical side wants to want which life insurance companies funded the publishing of this book - I know, I know . . . I'm a cynic) . . . But maybe it is simply too-good to-be-true. Nonetheless, the book gave me some good information and I plan to follow-up with some additional research.
November 18, 2021
When the author advises you to do your own due diligence, he is not kidding around. There are several drawbacks/risks involved in Indexed Universal Life Insurance that are conveniently omitted or briefly skimmed here. IULIs can be powerful financial tools! But they are not the certainty the author makes them out to be.
May 29, 2023
Good introduction
Gives the positives, and kinda negatives since as far as money ideas go it’s pretty straight forward… encourages own research, but also lays everything out in simple terms so it’s easy to understand while also not beating around the bush and spouting vague things which would make the book pointless… all in all pretty solid read, what I’m going to do with it we’ll see but one things for sure, I know infinitely more than I did previously about life insurance methods..
Gives the positives, and kinda negatives since as far as money ideas go it’s pretty straight forward… encourages own research, but also lays everything out in simple terms so it’s easy to understand while also not beating around the bush and spouting vague things which would make the book pointless… all in all pretty solid read, what I’m going to do with it we’ll see but one things for sure, I know infinitely more than I did previously about life insurance methods..
March 1, 2019
The Simplest Explanation of complex ideals I have ever seen
The book does a fantastic job at being thorough in explanation, while keeping things simple. Great job. This is a must for the salary and the clueless.
The book does a fantastic job at being thorough in explanation, while keeping things simple. Great job. This is a must for the salary and the clueless.
May 27, 2020
Clear & Honest
To echo what's already been said: clear, logical approach to the subject. Honest, qualified delivery of the facts. Clear recognition that everyone's situation varies, but manages to lay a more than adequate foundation for the subject.
To echo what's already been said: clear, logical approach to the subject. Honest, qualified delivery of the facts. Clear recognition that everyone's situation varies, but manages to lay a more than adequate foundation for the subject.
November 23, 2020
Very informative book but not for everyone. It's good for those looking into retirement information. It doesn't jump out for those looking into saving money. For most people this is a quick but forgettable read. For others its very enlightening.
February 10, 2023
Great overview of the power if an IUL.
If you are considering an IUL this is a must read. Don't rely on your financial advisor or insurance agent to know the intrinsic value of an IUL or how to structure one properly.
If you are considering an IUL this is a must read. Don't rely on your financial advisor or insurance agent to know the intrinsic value of an IUL or how to structure one properly.
February 29, 2024
Excellent book! Well-written with great storytelling.
Beyond the stories, it will challenge you and prompt you to change your retirement saving strategy, especially if you are on 401(k), IRA, and the like.
Powerful stuff!
Beyond the stories, it will challenge you and prompt you to change your retirement saving strategy, especially if you are on 401(k), IRA, and the like.
Powerful stuff!
August 18, 2018
This book helps you understand why not losing money in your IUL and the upside potential in this retirement plan can be the best investment!!! Love his examples. Must read!
October 29, 2018
Great and easy read.
Very informative & eye opening. Don’t put another dime in your 401k until you read this book. It’s worth it.
Very informative & eye opening. Don’t put another dime in your 401k until you read this book. It’s worth it.
October 27, 2019
Definitely a useful book to understand retirement planning but this may not relevant for everyone and every scenario. US specific and did not apply my own specific scenario of a NRI living in the US.
November 2, 2019
Read this book for work. Buy annuities! They’re a good investment vehicle. I guess.
July 9, 2020
Wide Eye Opener & Jaw Dropper
Must read, reread and over & over! Then next confirm the cuter and referenced facts for yourself. You will be blown aways!
Must read, reread and over & over! Then next confirm the cuter and referenced facts for yourself. You will be blown aways!
June 18, 2022
$ is important people!!
September 14, 2022
Very informative, I am reading it for the third time. I think each one of us must read it. These are not taught at schools!
July 3, 2024
Everyone needs to read this, especially as it’s only 100 pages. Such an insightful, thoroughly researched book about IUL’s, annuities & ways to grow your money for retirement.
March 5, 2025
Makes understanding complex products simple
June 11, 2025
buy IUL or annuity now
Don’t just believe with the head but believe with actions - faith without action is void - Act now now
Don’t just believe with the head but believe with actions - faith without action is void - Act now now
October 23, 2025
excellent explanations and well thought out information. Definitely a source to be revisited.
January 16, 2020
Though not factually incorrect, the omissions of the inner workings of the financial products described in this book are important ones. The variety of products within the ones described is enormous, and the costs of them are not even stated, much less described or explained.
As such, this is for novices only, and its only use would be to introduce a concept.
If I read this book as "advice" to a client, I would put myself in serious jeopardy of being blamed for not informing a client of important features, and if I were a client, I could easily say that the advice omitted important information that I, as a client, would almost call negligent.
That said, if this book's purpose was to describe the mere existence of these products, then the book isn't inaccurate.
As such, this is for novices only, and its only use would be to introduce a concept.
If I read this book as "advice" to a client, I would put myself in serious jeopardy of being blamed for not informing a client of important features, and if I were a client, I could easily say that the advice omitted important information that I, as a client, would almost call negligent.
That said, if this book's purpose was to describe the mere existence of these products, then the book isn't inaccurate.
January 6, 2016
Short read, recommended by a friend who sells life insurance (and, to his credit, acknowledged the conflict of interest). Points out clearly the potential advantages of Indexed Universal Life policies, and situations that make those advantages especially useful. Does not discuss potential risks. Points out downsides of equity and bond investments, both those that should be obvious to anyone who's lived through the past 8 years and some that are much less obvious. Needs copy editing (has about a dozen misspelled words).
May 21, 2015
Another good book by Kelly on the benefits of an Indexed Universal Life policy to protect your family and safeguard your retirement. I didn't like this book as much as the first, but this book was written shortly after the bust of 2008, so it has some more relevant data that is interesting. Most of the agents I know that have read this book and the previous one tend to prefer this one, but I'm in the minority I guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews