A New View of Retirement: Transforming Investment Strategies from Growth to Income

by James F Locke

In A New View of Retirement, financial advisor James F. Locke introduces a revolutionary yet simple approach to retirement planning that challenges conventional wisdom. While most financial advice focuses on growing assets as large as possible, Locke reveals why this strategy—which works well during your accumulation years—can backfire dramatically in retirement.

At the heart of Locke's philosophy is a deceptively simple TR = I + G (Total Return = Income + Growth). During your working years, total return is what matters most. But as you approach retirement, the source of that return becomes critical. By prioritizing reliable income (I) over unpredictable growth (G), you can create a renewable resource that provides steady cash flow regardless of market conditions.

Through clear explanations and compelling case studies, Locke demonstrates how investors who continue to focus primarily on growth in retirement may be forced to sell assets during market downturns—a strategy he calls "cannibalizing your principal." In contrast, those who restructure their portfolios to generate sufficient interest and dividends can weather market volatility while maintaining their principal intact.

The book offers practical guidance

Implementing the income-first approach using various investment toolsSelecting the right annuities (and avoiding the wrong ones)Optimizing Social Security benefits based on your unique situationUsing Roth conversions strategically to manage your tax burdenNavigating required minimum distributions without depleting your savingsCreating an effective estate plan that protects your legacyFinding a fiduciary advisor who specializes in retirement incomeWhether you're ten years from retirement or already enjoying your golden years, Locke's approach provides a framework for transforming retirement anxiety into confidence. By shifting your focus from accumulating the largest possible nest egg to generating reliable income, you can ensure your money lasts longer than you do—allowing you to truly live the retirement of your dreams.

A New View of Retirement isn't just about making your money last; it's about making your retirement the best years of your life.

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

Reviews

[Rose Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Brilliant. Informative. Best book ever.

[Maria Paula Castellanos Monroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!

If you are thinking about retirement, or are already retired and worried that your savings won't last, this book is for you. The author offers practical strategies to make your money work for you, giving you financial peace of mind. In this book, you will also learn to prioritize reliable income (such as dividends and interest) over uncertain growth, thus avoiding having to sell your investments when the market declines. It is ideal for anyone who wants to transform retirement anxiety into confidence, ensuring that their golden years are truly the best years of their life. It will help you understand how to make your money last and enjoy it without worry.
This book is perfect for people who are ten years away from retirement or who are already enjoying their retirement. If you are someone who has been diligently saving for the future but now needs a way to turn those savings into reliable income, this book will give you a new perspective. It is also ideal for those looking to minimize market risk and maximize the longevity of their funds during retirement, but above all, it is a book for anyone, regardless of age, who wants to enjoy a peaceful old age or retirement. Great book!

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people feel that they would like to retire one day. However, what exactly that looks like has changed over the years. This is a book that takes a close, in-depth look at the possibilities surrounding retirement and the planning that should go into it. It is written by an expert in these matters and is designed to be as approachable as possible.

Those who read it, regardless of where they are in their careers, will get lots of invaluable information and learn strategies that they can implement immediately. If they subscribe to the notions put forth in this book, then a comfortable retirement should eventually become possible. By learning a simple equation, they can plan for their future and live happily in their Golden Years.

[Almiria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New View of Retirement by James F. Locke is a smart retirement guide that recommends a different approach to securing your old age financially. Locke makes the very smart observation that by prioritizing maximum growth for your retirement fund, you may find yourself in risky situations. He recommends a greater focus on security and reliable income, in addition to a range of other crucial tips. While this book is mostly geared to people retiring in the USA, anyone can learn and benefit from portions of it. Regardless of whether you’re retiring soon, just thinking about your retirement fund, or already retired, there is plenty to learn from this guide. I am giving this book five out of five stars.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful read
Working people are in a constant quest to find ways to save money for their retirement. James F. Locke has come up with “A new view of retirement “, which is an innovative guide that defies common plans of retirement.
Each chapter delves into some strategies and techniques to apply when the moment comes. James gives a variety of options to distribute your money, to invest money, to manage your tax burden, and to organize yourself when the moment requires it. This reading helps people to enjoy this stage without suffering, allowing them to transform anxiety into confidence, in a way, turning those years into the best ones.
It’s a well-written, concise and helpful book that I highly recommend reading.

[Camilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This book is simply incredible; it truly feels like an eye-opener. As a young adult, it is very important for me to start gaining this kind of information about how to have a good retirement and how to live a peaceful and well-balanced life starting from my youth, without forgetting about my future. I believe it is possible to fully enjoy life while young and still plan for a great retirement. However, it requires discipline, patience, and focus. Now the task is also mine—to put into practice the lessons learned from this book. I know I’ll return to such an important book whenever necessary. If you want to retire in well-being and consider yourself a disciplined and organized person, this book is perfect for you. Highly recommended.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

James F. Locke’s view of retirement is a revolutionary game changer. He introduces us to a simpler way of saving up for our future.
His formula, TR = I + G formula (Total Return = Income + Growth) is something that literally blew my mind. I have never thought about this practical and easy way of investing.
I linked how clearly and bounty he speaks to us, what really convinces us that his words are honest and real.
After finishing this book, I feel more confident about my retirement plans and my future, and I have stopped worrying about how I would make things work. I have a plan now, let's put it into practice!

[Yolanda Gomez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can say that it is one of the most comprehensive books I have read on personal finance. In this case, the author not only focuses on explaining the basics of finance or how you should invest your money, but also explains how important it is that as you get closer to retirement, you should prioritize reliable income over income growth. I found it super interesting because it manages to make you feel calm and confident in the process, which for me is fundamental since every time I get older, I feel more anxious about achieving a successful retirement and maintaining my wealth for my legacy. So, I think finding reading material like this is very necessary for everyone.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good explanations about how to think about money in retirement. The book leaves the classic idea of trying to grow savings and shows how important it is to focus on getting a steady income instead.

The book talks a lot about saving but it is simple, although sometimes can feel overwhelming. My mother really enjoys it. It gave her a new perspective on things.

Personally, I found the topics about taxes very clear and helpful. It teaches a new way to look at planning for the future without feeling too complicated or stressful.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, straightforward, and to the point.