The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement: How to Save for Your Future Today

by Mary Hunt

What does a woman want to do when she retires? Travel? Pursue hobbies? Spend time with friends and family? We all have dreams about what those days will be like. But when it comes to turning those dreams into reality, women's retirement confidence and know-how is low. According to a 2012 survey, 92 percent of women of all ages in this country don't feel they're educated enough to reach their retirement savings goals. For the woman who doesn't know where to start or would like a knowledgeable guide who speaks her language, financial expert Mary Hunt offers a comprehensive but approachable resource for saving and planning for retirement.

Whether she feels entitled to retire at age 65, hopes she'll be able to stop working someday, or is convinced she'll never be able to retire, every woman will find real help in these pages. With her signature no-nonsense, energetic style, Hunt assures women that it's only too late if they don't start now. She clearly covers every aspect of retirement planning during every season of a woman's life, giving women the confidence they need to shape their futures.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Money

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Get This Book!! There is so much information in the pages and yet you will not get bored. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked the idea of the book and thought the author did an excellent job of showing the steps to take to be comfortable when you retire. This is not a boring or monotonous book! I found the author’s writing style to be entertaining and informative. I would recommend this book to all women, no matter the age!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I liked this? I don't know if the reasoning is because a) it's actually good finance book or b) that I've read enough finance books/blogs/financial websites over the past year that some of lingo and rules are starting to make sense in my head? Either way, I found myself nodding along with (most) of this book. I appreciate this book mostly for two reasons. A) It was written last year in 2013 and so it takes place AFTER THE RECESSION so her reasoning and information are current and up to date with today's financial plans as opposed to the books written in 2009 and prior. And B) this author didn't make me feel bad for having debt or taking out student loans. She explains straight up front that she spent most of her thirties getting out of the debt she got in her twenties and that makes me feel better because hey, I'M NOT A LEPER AFTER ALL. I can do this. She had some pretty good chapters and her chapter on investing was broken down into simple and layman's terms that I actually (gasp) sorta understand (I know, right?) and I need to come back to this book when I have a more stable job/paycheck coming on and I am ready to start investing into mutual funds (note to future steph: Vangaurd over Fidelity, Vanguard over Fidelity ->fees are lower). So not a bad read overall.

My one gripe with this book was that I did not realize she was Christian until she started quoting Scripture halfway through and then at the end, there is a entire chapter dedicated to finance and faith. I don't have a issue with the faith-based undertones but I did not expect them to be there, nor did the book give any indication for the first like, 80 pages so just a heads up for future readers. That might rub people the wrong way.

[Karol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Understandable, and a good approach to follow. An especially helpful book for people without much financial education or experience.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: THE SMART WOMAN’S GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT: How to Save for Your Future Today
Author: Mary Hunt
Publisher: Revell
November 2013
ISBN: 978-0800721138
Genre: Financial

What does a woman want to do when she retires? Travel? Pursue hobbies? Spend time with friends and family? We all have dreams about what those days will be like. But when it comes to turning those dreams into reality, women's retirement confidence and know-how is low. According to a 2012 survey, 92 percent of women of all ages in this country don't feel they're educated enough to reach their retirement savings goals. For the woman who doesn't know where to start or would like a knowledgeable guide who speaks her language, financial expert Mary Hunt offers a comprehensive but approachable resource for saving and planning for retirement.

Whether she feels entitled to retire at age 65, hopes she'll be able to stop working someday, or is convinced she'll never be able to retire, every woman will find real help in these pages. With her signature no-nonsense, energetic style, Hunt assures women that it's only too late if they don't start now. She clearly covers every aspect of retirement planning during every season of a woman's life, giving women the confidence they need to shape their futures.

THE SMART WOMAN’S GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT is a must read for all adult women, no matter what age they are. It outlines the basic plans that we’re all familiar with, such as pay off debt, save an emergency fund, pay cash and not charge, but it goes one step further. THE SMART WOMAN’S GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT lists places where you can get totally free checking if it isn’t available at your bank. It explains differences in bank terminology. It tells how to save and how to set up sub-savings inside savings. It offers a lot of information about technology, banking, saving, and bill paying that I didn’t know.

There are a lot more in the book. Some are common sense. Some are more aggressive tactics. She goes into detail so you, no matter what age you are, can start planning for your retirement. Relying on Social Security won’t support you—especially if what you are paying in is money you never see, thanks to the government powers-that-be. Your money needs to be in a high-interest, secure place, where it is safe from you spending it now.

Take control of your finances now. Start by picking up THE SMART WOMAN’S GUIDE TO PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT today and reading it cover-to-cover. Be sure to take notes – either in the book margins or in a notebook – of things you can start now, and keep the book for future reference. Highly recommended. 5 stars. $17.99 hardcover. 224 pages.

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Smart Woman’s Guide to Retirement, Mary Hunt explains why we as women need to be thinking about the issue of retirement….no matter our age.

This book isn’t full of complicated charts and investment numbers, it’s filled with practical, hard-core advice to get your spending in order, debt paid off, and a solid emergency fund built. And the author does all this before diving into retirement and investing principles!

[Cherop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read many books on planning for retirement. This is one of the better ones. The author explains everything simply and in detail. I purchased two copies. One for myself and one for a friend. Though this book is written for Americans there are enough nuggets of useful information for residents of Canada.

[Lindsay Guinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read that's different than Dave Ramsey who seems to monopolize retirement planning and money management.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little outdated at this point but fundamentals are still good. This was written with a tendency to think that women are more likely to be at home with the kids or even if working, that they are not the breadwinner of the house. This is not an issue, just something to be ready for.
Also, the author is clearly religious, there were brief comments or notes referring to religion throughout the book but nothing too much, until chapter 18 then the whole chapter focused and was entirely on Religion which i felt was out of place in a financial guidance book. But that's just my opinion and I chose to skip over most of that chapter. I mention it only so that others are aware.

[Annemargaret Olsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an easy read - which is not something one can always say about a book on retirement. That being said, I think perhaps this book is a nice "how to get started" book on retirement. Personally, I did not learn anything new from this book, but it did give me the confidence to pick-up my next book on preparing financially for retirement. If you need some advice on getting started on saving for retirement, at any age, this book is for you.

[Rhiannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was very helpful for me especially as it comes to organizing my savings accounts and giving tangible guidelines for making investments.

Even though the book was published over 10 years ago, the knowledge base provided a good foundation for understanding.

[Lori Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is was a really good guide with lots of information and yet not overwhelming. I'd highly recommend it for anyone wondering if they are preparing enough for retirement!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great option for Australian readers. Some decent general advice but save yourself time and get the barefoot investor instead.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good information. Well organized.

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting and I learned a lot.

[Leann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable resource... I highly recommend this one.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Hunt in her new book, “The Smart Woman’s Guide To Planning For Retirement” published by Revell shows us How to Save for Your Future Today.

From the back cover: The knowledge and confidence you need to shape your future—today

What do you want to do when you retire? Travel? Pursue hobbies? Spend time with friends and family? If you want to turn those dreams into reality, you need a plan. If you’re not sure where to start, you need personal financial expert Mary Hunt.

With her signature no-nonsense, energetic style, Mary clearly covers every aspect of retirement planning during every season of your life–all in language you can understand. Whether you’re staring retirement in the face or you have decades of work ahead of you, Mary offers sound advice on everything from savings and investment to debt reduction and Social Security.

Let us face the truth. According to a 2012 survey, 92 percent of women of all ages in this country don’t feel they’re educated enough to reach their retirement savings goals. Not only is that a staggering statistic it is also frightening. It is time to provide a tool for women to use to plan for and manage retirement. Mary Hunt has done exactly that with “The Smart Woman’s Guide To Planning For Retirement”. In twenty chapters Ms. Hunt outlines the plans that we need to implement such as pay off debt, save an emergency fund, pay cash and not charge and then goes one step further. Chapter sixteen’s title is “Popular Ways To Commit Financial Suicide”. If you think you ever will want to retire and actually enjoy your retirement then you need to read this book. ”The Smart Woman’s Guide To Planning For Retirement” is a must have book. You might want to hold it in a special place on your shelf you might be referring to it again and again. This is also a great book to give as gifts to family and friends. They will think of you every time they put it to use. I recommend it highly.

You can find “The Smart Woman’s Guide To Planning For Retirement” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/hu...

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

“Available November 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were a few little helpful gems in here, but overall fairly basic. It is very readable/approachable, so it might be useful for someone who really struggles with their finances or who just doesn't quite know where to begin.

[Marleah (marleah_a) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Mary Hunt's book Raising Financially Confident Kids, and I expected to get a lot of information from this book as well. While much of it was a repeat of what I've gleaned from other books and websites about money (the envelope system, build up an emergency fund, stick to a budget, cut unnecessary costs), there was enough different information for me to still learn something (and to reinforce those previous ideas and remind me to keep up with them).

As the title says, this book focuses on retirement for women. While there are a few areas that assume the reader is not the breadwinner, it is not biased or condescending. Hunt is honest about her past financial mistakes and does not gloss over the hard work it takes to get out of that hole you dug for yourself. I did find myself a little panicky (I'm 29! I've wasted so many years and I could have already had a huge amount in savings!), but Hunt takes the time to pat you on the back for at least being interested in getting started (it is the first step, after all) and then gives you a shove so that you follow through.

Hunt does include a fair amount of faith-based information, but it is not so prevalent that it prevented this agnostic from getting something out of it. There is a full chapter focused on faith and finances, which I skimmed. Even if you are a hardcore atheist, you will get some good information from this book -- you may just want to skip that particular chapter.

[Sharon Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Financial expert and author Mary Hunt has a unique gift for taking difficult subjects, such as debt, financial matters, and retirement planning, and making the various aspects of every step clear and easy to understand. In her latest book, "The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement," Hunt tackles the very daunting fact that most women are not prepared for their future retirements, and she sets out concise reasons and solutions to correct this problem.

This is a book that should be issued to every girl upon graduation from high school or college! It is also a book that every mature woman needs to have in order to get her "money house" in alignment so that the future won't be so scary! Hunt gives great common-sense advice here that can be beneficial to all women of any age. She also gives inspirational examples and biblical facts that back up her ideas and programs for financial security.

This is not a book you sit down to read for enjoyment, but it is a book that you absolutely need to sit down and read, even if it's in small bites, for your own sense of peace for the future. I highly recommend all of Hunt's books, but this one in particular. It is a MUST read!

[Katarina Nolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provides the readers with excellent advice. Timely questions are raised and answered.
Easy to understand, conversational tone, entertaining at times, empowering. The author does a good job encouraging women to get to work, learn whatever is necessary about finances and manage their money and wealth and plan for retirement based on the current state of the economy. ... Book Review: The Smart Woman’s Guide to Planning for Retirement By Mary Hunt » Katarina Nolte
http://katarinanolte.com/WordPressBlo...

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the conversational tone to retirement planning and saving that this book took. I believe that it is a much easier way to understand the steps needing to be taken, and just how important those steps are when they are presented in a narrative rather than graphs and charts. While I was already implementing the majority of the tips found in this book and it seemed geared towards those perhaps later on in their life than I; I did find it a helpful resource in general and would recommend to people that are unsure of how to start saving or why.

I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway contest.

[Christy Hovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for women who don't know where to start for retirement planning and saving. I was very happy to review this book as I am constantly advising women to WAKE UP! and become educated about finances. May Hunt is always brilliant at explaining concepts for every learning level. If you are a woman then you need to read this book! Your life will be better for it in the future. I also recommend all of Mary's other books. She really knows her stuff!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, easy to read, approachable, and Hunt offers some good advice. I appreciate that she gives a few websites for additional research, offers recommendations for agencies, and even provides phone numbers. I know that information is easily accessible for most but it's a nice touch, especially for those without internet. Hunt shows how retirement planning is something that we can all do regardless of our situation.

[Teresa Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Hunt is simply amazing. I've enjoyed all her books, but will definitely purchase this one (read this one as a library e book) for reference. The author presents that much useful information in clear, easy to understand language. And it's chock-full of specifics. She names banks, sites, investment possibilities.

Thanks , Ms. Hunt for writing this book. Now you all go out and read it immediately! 'Nuff said.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement to be an easy, easy read that is full of good information. I found it especially interesting reading about how women are very good at finances, actually better than men. If you aren't sure where to begin with planning for the future Mary Hunt's book is a good place to start.

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is absolutely nothing new in this book. Plenty of it is common sense. What a hated about this book is the the bible quotes. I think that's her thing and will interject it at every opportunity.

[Jeanette Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good, basic introduction for getting your feet wet. No complex math, no legalese, no intimidation. It's not a comprehensive book, but it's enough knowledge to get women asking the right questions and start conceptualizing.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I pretty much skimmed this book but found myself stopping to take notes about the resources. I don't know how current some of the information is but it worth pursuing. I recommend this book as a solid start to get your finances in order.

[Mills College Library]

332.02401 H9422 2013

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down and dirty, Dave Ramsey without so much God. (But still some.) Quick read and excellent summary. I recommend!