What do you think?
Rate this book
Retire Inspired: It’s Not an Age; It’s a Financial Number
What do you think of when you hear the word retirement?
Do you see yourself spending weeks at a time with your grandchildren? Volunteering your time to a worthy cause? Traveling to remote vacation spots you’ve always wanted to visit? Those dreams simply don’t line up with the reality of many working Americans. Rather than packing their bags for a month-long escape, many retirees will be packing their lunch for an eight-hour shift. And it’s not because they want to; it’s because they’re broke! In Retire Inspired, Chris Hogan teaches that retirement isn’t an age; it’s a financial number—an amount you need to live the life in retirement that you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re twenty-five or fifty-five, you can start now. Chris will equip you with a plan to make your own investing decisions, set proper expectations with your family for retirement, and build a dream team of experts to get you there. You don’t have to retire broke, stressed, and working long after you want to. You can retire inspired!
Do you see yourself spending weeks at a time with your grandchildren? Volunteering your time to a worthy cause? Traveling to remote vacation spots you’ve always wanted to visit? Those dreams simply don’t line up with the reality of many working Americans. Rather than packing their bags for a month-long escape, many retirees will be packing their lunch for an eight-hour shift. And it’s not because they want to; it’s because they’re broke! In Retire Inspired, Chris Hogan teaches that retirement isn’t an age; it’s a financial number—an amount you need to live the life in retirement that you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re twenty-five or fifty-five, you can start now. Chris will equip you with a plan to make your own investing decisions, set proper expectations with your family for retirement, and build a dream team of experts to get you there. You don’t have to retire broke, stressed, and working long after you want to. You can retire inspired!
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2016
626 people are currently reading
4189 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews
August 7, 2018
Retirement is not an old person thing. It's a smart person thing.
If you told me even ten years ago that I would be reading a retirement book right now, not to mention enjoying and recommending it, I would have laughed, rolled my eyes, and argued with you. I grew up with parents who are preachers, so I always thought, "We won't retire" because they would always be preachers. And as a writer, I thought, "I won't retire" because I'll always be a writer. Not to say that I haven't believed in setting aside money for retirement. I am blessed with a husband who has always been very conscious of saving for retirement and being "allergic to debt" as Chris Hogan and Dave Ramsey clan say.
But reading this book has changed my view so much. Retirement doesn't have to mean not working anymore. It means not having to work. And all of us want to get there. So this book made me define so much of what I want for myself, my husband and my family as I head into retirement, whatever age that may be.
This is not a book that you get from the library or borrow from a friend. This is a buy book. Because you'll need at multiple stages of your life. You'll need to adjust along the way. You'll need to start young, and continue as you get older. Plus, he gives so much information, that while it could be overwhelming, it also is SUPER important to hold on to.
This will change your mindset about saving, about spending, about age, and so much more. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it all around. And the audiobook, let's just say his voice is authoritative and soothing at the same time! (Thank you, husband, for putting it on my nightstand to stare at me until I picked it up and read/listened.)
Find more book love on my Instagram or blog.
If you told me even ten years ago that I would be reading a retirement book right now, not to mention enjoying and recommending it, I would have laughed, rolled my eyes, and argued with you. I grew up with parents who are preachers, so I always thought, "We won't retire" because they would always be preachers. And as a writer, I thought, "I won't retire" because I'll always be a writer. Not to say that I haven't believed in setting aside money for retirement. I am blessed with a husband who has always been very conscious of saving for retirement and being "allergic to debt" as Chris Hogan and Dave Ramsey clan say.
But reading this book has changed my view so much. Retirement doesn't have to mean not working anymore. It means not having to work. And all of us want to get there. So this book made me define so much of what I want for myself, my husband and my family as I head into retirement, whatever age that may be.
This is not a book that you get from the library or borrow from a friend. This is a buy book. Because you'll need at multiple stages of your life. You'll need to adjust along the way. You'll need to start young, and continue as you get older. Plus, he gives so much information, that while it could be overwhelming, it also is SUPER important to hold on to.
This will change your mindset about saving, about spending, about age, and so much more. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it all around. And the audiobook, let's just say his voice is authoritative and soothing at the same time! (Thank you, husband, for putting it on my nightstand to stare at me until I picked it up and read/listened.)
Find more book love on my Instagram or blog.
November 27, 2017
This book was very interesting, and although I’m sure very basic, it taught me a lot. I was never interested in retirement, and frankly find everything a little confusing. I was very happy with the way Chris broke everything down and made it easy to understand.
The only thing that I didn’t love about this book was the fact that he assumes that every person in the world is going to get married and have kids. I am not planning on having kids and was personally frustrated that he constantly said things like “when you have a family this will happen”. What about the people that aren’t going to have kids? We’re out here too! 🤦🏼♀️
Other than that I was very happy with this book and I loved the stories he tells about other people. They are really a punch to the gut and actually got me interested in retirement which, if you knew me, is very surprising. So thanks for that Chris Hogan. 🙌🏽
The only thing that I didn’t love about this book was the fact that he assumes that every person in the world is going to get married and have kids. I am not planning on having kids and was personally frustrated that he constantly said things like “when you have a family this will happen”. What about the people that aren’t going to have kids? We’re out here too! 🤦🏼♀️
Other than that I was very happy with this book and I loved the stories he tells about other people. They are really a punch to the gut and actually got me interested in retirement which, if you knew me, is very surprising. So thanks for that Chris Hogan. 🙌🏽
March 20, 2018
Since I already own and have read the Dave Ramsay book, my dad gave me this book for Christmas. This isn't a book that's going to tell you what funds to invest in. There are a few concrete, practical suggestions, but mostly this is a book to convince and motivate you to start saving for retirement. Hogan points out that smart retirement saving is something like 20% knowledge and 80% behavior, so I guess the motivational approach is appropriate, but I'm already convinced so I didn't really need the cheerleading. I did like that the book started by encouraging you think about your retirement and set a retirement dream or goal - not a dollar amount, but a vision of what you want your life to be like. I've never thought about it that way. Normally when I think about retirement I just think about all of the articles that say almost no one has enough saved and then I feel guilty and worried about not saving more. Starting with a vision or dream is a much better way to motivate people to start (or keep) saving. Also, Hogan sounds like a really nice guy, so I was happy to pick up the book.
The main thing I take issue with in this book is that Hogan takes the approach that people don't save for retirement because they don't trust putting their money in the stock market/mutual funds. He spends a lot of time talking about why investing your money is a good thing. I think that may be true for a certain audience, but for most of the people I know it's not an issue of trust it's more an issue of setting aside money to save for much later instead of using it for the many expenses we have right now.
This book motivated me to sit down and look at my retirement accounts, and I realized that I'm doing better than I thought I was. I'd say this is a good, basic book for anyone who needs a push getting started on their retirement savings.
The main thing I take issue with in this book is that Hogan takes the approach that people don't save for retirement because they don't trust putting their money in the stock market/mutual funds. He spends a lot of time talking about why investing your money is a good thing. I think that may be true for a certain audience, but for most of the people I know it's not an issue of trust it's more an issue of setting aside money to save for much later instead of using it for the many expenses we have right now.
This book motivated me to sit down and look at my retirement accounts, and I realized that I'm doing better than I thought I was. I'd say this is a good, basic book for anyone who needs a push getting started on their retirement savings.
January 21, 2019
Chris Hogan has basically nothing to say. Like his radio show, it’s a series of anecdotes and almost no actual information. The first time he talked about playing college football, it was kind of cool. The second time it seemed weird and out of place. But by the fifth reference, I had visions of Uncle Rico - the guy who can’t get over the fact that he doesn’t play anymore.
The book is a long series of personal stories about people Hogan has worked with. “I want to tell you about Karen,” he says, before launching into a multi-paragraph description of what will happen if you do or don’t follow his advice. Trouble is, he offers no real advice or substance. It’s just a bunch of stories, with no knowledge associated with it, and the stories fall into one of two categories: these people started saving for retirement early and now they're happy, or these people didn't start saving for retirement early and now they're miserable.
It continually surprises me that Dave Ramsey associates himself so closely with this guy. Ramsey offers solid, legitimate advice that helps people get out of debt and take control of their lives. Hogan doesn’t seem like he actually *knows* anything and is more of a motivational speaker than anything else.
The chapter about the different types of investment is informative if you aren't familiar with it at all, but this book is definitely Baby's First Investment Guide, and I suspect that's intentional. If you need to familiarize yourself with some of the terms investors use, then I guess this book will do that. If you want actual retirement advice, there's little to be had here.
Let me save you time on this book: start saving early for retirement, and get a professional to help you do it. That’s all there is here, but it takes Hogan 200+ pages to say it.
The book is a long series of personal stories about people Hogan has worked with. “I want to tell you about Karen,” he says, before launching into a multi-paragraph description of what will happen if you do or don’t follow his advice. Trouble is, he offers no real advice or substance. It’s just a bunch of stories, with no knowledge associated with it, and the stories fall into one of two categories: these people started saving for retirement early and now they're happy, or these people didn't start saving for retirement early and now they're miserable.
It continually surprises me that Dave Ramsey associates himself so closely with this guy. Ramsey offers solid, legitimate advice that helps people get out of debt and take control of their lives. Hogan doesn’t seem like he actually *knows* anything and is more of a motivational speaker than anything else.
The chapter about the different types of investment is informative if you aren't familiar with it at all, but this book is definitely Baby's First Investment Guide, and I suspect that's intentional. If you need to familiarize yourself with some of the terms investors use, then I guess this book will do that. If you want actual retirement advice, there's little to be had here.
Let me save you time on this book: start saving early for retirement, and get a professional to help you do it. That’s all there is here, but it takes Hogan 200+ pages to say it.
February 23, 2016
First review: Ok, I'm only on page 43 but I have Concerns. He tells you to complete an assessment on his website, which will tell you how much money you need to retire. I completed the assessment and learned that we can stop saving for retirement RIGHT THIS MINUTE and we'll have 3 million dollars available when the time comes. Because I am for sure going to have an annual return of 12% on my retirement savings. So, you know, go me!
Of course, I am taking this with many many huge grains of salt, and I'm sure there will be a lot of information in this book that will be useful and motivating. HOWEVER. Telling a 36-year-old with a very average household income that her family is fine to stop saving for retirement seems about a million kinds of irresponsible.
2nd review: Finished. My beef with the assessment calculator aside, this book would be a great one to give to someone who doesn't have retirement on their radar and needs to get a fire lit under them. He's encouraging but also gives some sobering numbers to illustrate what you could be looking at if saving for retirement isn't a priority.
Of course, I am taking this with many many huge grains of salt, and I'm sure there will be a lot of information in this book that will be useful and motivating. HOWEVER. Telling a 36-year-old with a very average household income that her family is fine to stop saving for retirement seems about a million kinds of irresponsible.
2nd review: Finished. My beef with the assessment calculator aside, this book would be a great one to give to someone who doesn't have retirement on their radar and needs to get a fire lit under them. He's encouraging but also gives some sobering numbers to illustrate what you could be looking at if saving for retirement isn't a priority.
January 25, 2016
Everyone should read this book!!! Packed with excellent information (some of which was a bit elementary), but also dove in to where your money should go once your house is paid off, emotions related to finances, creating a financial team, inheritance, etc. The author broke down saving & investing by decade, starting in your 20's and moving through your 60's. I loved that he did not assume everyone in the world is covered in credit card debt too! A book this thorough and yet understandable is hard to find. I read another review that stated this book should be taught in schools, and I totally agree!! Perhaps if it was, so many families would not be in the financial knots that they are today.
August 29, 2016
Very basic, lots of good reminders. Builds on Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover by fleshing out Baby Step 4 (retirement) a bit more. All good things, lots of nice stories and metaphors. A bit too many sports analogies, but that's just me.
January 8, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. While I didn't agree with absolutely everything Chris said or the arguments he made I agreed with, arguably, over 90% of his advice and considerations. More than that I really enjoyed getting into his brain to learn what questions to ask, topics to consider and possible methods for attacking retirement from different angles. This book also ended up being very appropriately timed for me at 31 years old because I have to consider not only my own retirement in 30+ years but also my parents impending retirement in 5 or less years...
Excellent read and highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about retirement prep!
Excellent read and highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about retirement prep!
May 1, 2016
I purchased this book as part of a special package at a Dave Ramsey Smart Conference. I had never heard Chris Hogan speak before. A good deal of what he spoke about that day (in 1 hour) was in this book, almost verbatim. Stories and all.
If you frequent Dave Ramsey's radio show/podcast, you won't find much new ground here. There are a few nuggets, but for the most part this is not a book for anyone who has spent any time at all thinking about getting out of debt or retiring. If you have done neither of those things, then you will get value here.
If you frequent Dave Ramsey's radio show/podcast, you won't find much new ground here. There are a few nuggets, but for the most part this is not a book for anyone who has spent any time at all thinking about getting out of debt or retiring. If you have done neither of those things, then you will get value here.
February 24, 2017
Just like with Dave Ramseys books, I feel like I have to wade through anecdotes and repetetive key phrases just to get to the few nuggets of gold. There are good parts, but you have to get through the other 3/4 of the book to get to those parts.
January 13, 2016
Chris Hogan's book Retire Inspired is nothing short of, well...inspiring!! Chris lays out a step-by-step plan for retirement, whether you are starting in your 20's, 30's, or even 60's. There is a chapter for everything from laying the ground work to getting started to enjoying your retirement. Chris demystifies the concept of investing by clearly explaining investment options and giving recommendations. He suggests putting together a team to help you plan for and achieve your ideal retirement number, or R:IQ. The book reads like a novel, with plenty of anecdotes throughout. Some are funny, and some are so serious you'll gasp and think, "Not me!" If you are going to retire someday (aren't we all?), this book is a must-read!
January 30, 2016
There are many good things in this book. The author is a natural encourager, and his enthusiasm for putting your financial house in order is contagious. But the term smart enough to be dangerous is very alive here. The author brings his readers to a certain level, and then constantly defaults to 'consulting your financial team' which rings hollow. He gives you a list of questions to ask possible advisers and they are good questions, but most readers will not gain enough in this book to know if the answers you get from said advisors are truthful. A good beginning point and a great book for someone who needs to be inspired to get going for saving for retirement, but there are many better books out there than this one.
February 9, 2016
The book was very good but from listening to Dave everyday and reading most of his books I kinda knew everything already. It was still inspiring though! If you've never read anything on finances / investing this will be a GREAT read for you as Chris does have a ton of knowledge and wisdom to pass on.
I appreciated Chris' personal touch to the whole idea of finances and investing. He has some really good stories, real-life examples from his personal life and from the lives of people he has coached, and analogies I really enjoyed; especially all the sports talk. You probably won't hear these stories on the Dave Ramsey show.
I appreciated Chris' personal touch to the whole idea of finances and investing. He has some really good stories, real-life examples from his personal life and from the lives of people he has coached, and analogies I really enjoyed; especially all the sports talk. You probably won't hear these stories on the Dave Ramsey show.
January 24, 2020
What an inspiring read! I was never sure what to expect at retirement, and based on what I saw from others, I didn’t think it was a possibility for us. However, since my husband and I are following the DR Baby Steps and are consumer debt free, retirement is not only a possibility for us, but we are looking forward to it. Chris Hogan has given us the tools to not only retire, but to retire with a high definition dream. I am excited to follow through with the steps outlined in this book. A must read for anyone who is in or plans to be in the work force.
April 27, 2020
Chris Hogan presented a very inspirational book about how to retire "inspired." He's a devote of Dave Ramsey, so he presents basically the same principles to achieve the retirement of your dreams. I think it's a good book to help you get motivated and focus on what you need to do. His chapters about what to do at various decades (20's, 30's, 40's, etc.) are interesting. Also, I like his inspirational/motivational approach. Since I was already familiar with Dave Ramsey's approach, it was just a different spin on that approach. Rating 3.5 stars.
June 8, 2018
Thoughtful, practical advice on how to craft your retirement dream, get your finances in order, and plan for retirement and leaving an estate behind. Chris explains complicated concepts in a conversational tone and with helpful anecdotes. Even as someone still at the beginning of her working life, I understand the value of planning ahead and how to logistically set myself up for success at an early age. Definitely an inspiring read.
December 27, 2018
Yes! I absolutely recommend this book and will be trying to convince everyone I know to read it! Contrary to what some may believe (hem hem, my own sister who saw me reading it) this book is NOT just for old people! I’m 31 and wish I could have read this at 21. Very inspiring and informative. It’s filled with real advice and feels like having an uncle or someone who loves you and wants to teach you what you need to do to retire well and live a good life.
September 17, 2020
A must read for everyone. Even though I am an avid listener of Dave Ramsey’s podcast and am a religious follower and believer of all things Dave Ramsey, I still learned things from this book. Chris made this book easy to understand and relate to without the confusing investment jargon and it is relatable no matter the stage of the retirement game you are in. The knowledge and value from this book far exceeds the cost.
February 27, 2016
If you listen to Dave Ramsey on a regular basis, don't bother with this book. It's 100% information Dave gives right down to the euphemisms. Huge disappointment. I saw someone else wrote that it was regurgitated from all the things Dave says & that is right on the mark. If you are familiar with Dave Ramsey, don't waste your time on this.
April 6, 2016
I saw this book and got it from the library for my husband, who retired earlier than we had planned. This book made me (and him) feel better about how we had been preparing for this eventual event. He was so impressed with the book that he wants our three girls to read it to understand the importance of starting early and being smart about saving for retirement. A good read for everyone.
June 23, 2016
This left me with the same motivation and coaching I need to get my financial act together just like Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. I am debt free and now have a awesome plan for my retirement.
May 8, 2019
This was an inspiring book to read to prepare for retirement. As Chris has stated, we must put our plan into action, otherwise it is just a wish. This book was worth reading. He shared many good points to save for retirement which I need to add to my portfolio.
December 31, 2016
Great book and I met Chris Hogan and he is a great person and motivater! Very inspiring!
October 17, 2017
Solid information but a bit too folksy for me.
February 16, 2019
Great book! I learned a lot about IRAs, Roth accounts, etc. The forward is by Dave Ramsey which includes his 7 steps to financial freedom. Wish we had some of this information earlier.
August 23, 2019
Very enlightening. Truly written to slap lazy people lovingly in the face. Love it. It is basic, but that's what people need.
July 30, 2020
I appreciated how all the pertinent information is explained in such an accessible way.
April 25, 2025
I read this amazing book THREE times in 2019 after it was gifted to me by my daughter. I know this because I’ve written all the dates and my reactions inside the front cover. I have read it and referenced it many, many times since 2019. I’ve also gifted it numerous times.
To say this book “changed my life” is the understatement of my lifetime. I would not be happily and comfortably retired (since April 1. 2022) had it not been for this book (read in 2019), Dave Ramsey’s book “Total Money Makeover” (read in 2009) and Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” course (completed in 2009).
To say this book “changed my life” is the understatement of my lifetime. I would not be happily and comfortably retired (since April 1. 2022) had it not been for this book (read in 2019), Dave Ramsey’s book “Total Money Makeover” (read in 2009) and Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” course (completed in 2009).
January 21, 2019
I got into the Ramsey financial world a couple of years ago. The basic principles have really helped me turn my financial world around (a budget really is magic!). This was a good book, but it's hard to have investing advice in a book due the frequent changes (which Chris speaks to). I think this is a good book for people my age because I assume many of them haven't really thought about or acted on retirement, which makes me sad and a little scared. Chris is coming to my town this week and I wanted to read his first book before going to see him. I'm excited to read his new book, Everyday Millionaires very soon.
January 4, 2018
If I love something the most, it's the author's deep calm voice. He is just convincing me to keep listening!
Well I love the idea that the author wants us to retire inspired, not broke and not to be a burden on our children or grandchildren ( which is really important!), and he will make sure to tell you that retirement is not an age, it's a number and a financial status instead. He just keeps repeating this until you start wondering when is this gonna end .
Of course the important stuff then will be: budget and save. Really no other way around this common sense and timeless advice. I actually did get my R:IQ number and would be aiming towards saving that from now on. This book should be read very early in life in order for you to enjoy a "healthy" retirement.
I really loved some of his examples like:
- When he was trying to replicate his grandma's chilli soup, he just got an awful result. The secret for anything is to get the right ingredient, the directions and to practice it first hand and add your own touches for it to be perfect. This he applied it nicely to making a budget, go by the roles then practice and adjust.
- Stock market and investment is like a roller coaster, it has it's ups and downs. Don't get freaked of it and don't jump in and out too early. If you persist long enough, you will come to the safe end and discover that overall it was not that bad. It's foolish not to expect the next down turn. And no matter how much you read or meditate, the only way to get the fear of the roller coaster out ( and similarly the market) is by riding as much roller coasters as you can( love this one a lot)
- OK for Mortage loan Yaaaay ! But under the condition that the payments make no more than 25% of your income and that you can pay it all in 15 years.
- He talked about really valuable stuff like types of insurance, will, tax management. Really eye opener.
- The best and most outstanding part in my opinion is the last part, where he talked about the importance of building a wealth in relation with your family and other significant people in your life before you retire so that you can actually enjoy your retirement. " no one wants to retire rich and miserable" he said and I can't agree more.
If you hadn't grab your copy yet, do yourself a favor and do. And if you can get it in audio form it will be better, as you can't miss the chance of listening to his deep convincing voice.
Well I love the idea that the author wants us to retire inspired, not broke and not to be a burden on our children or grandchildren ( which is really important!), and he will make sure to tell you that retirement is not an age, it's a number and a financial status instead. He just keeps repeating this until you start wondering when is this gonna end .
Of course the important stuff then will be: budget and save. Really no other way around this common sense and timeless advice. I actually did get my R:IQ number and would be aiming towards saving that from now on. This book should be read very early in life in order for you to enjoy a "healthy" retirement.
I really loved some of his examples like:
- When he was trying to replicate his grandma's chilli soup, he just got an awful result. The secret for anything is to get the right ingredient, the directions and to practice it first hand and add your own touches for it to be perfect. This he applied it nicely to making a budget, go by the roles then practice and adjust.
- Stock market and investment is like a roller coaster, it has it's ups and downs. Don't get freaked of it and don't jump in and out too early. If you persist long enough, you will come to the safe end and discover that overall it was not that bad. It's foolish not to expect the next down turn. And no matter how much you read or meditate, the only way to get the fear of the roller coaster out ( and similarly the market) is by riding as much roller coasters as you can( love this one a lot)
- OK for Mortage loan Yaaaay ! But under the condition that the payments make no more than 25% of your income and that you can pay it all in 15 years.
- He talked about really valuable stuff like types of insurance, will, tax management. Really eye opener.
- The best and most outstanding part in my opinion is the last part, where he talked about the importance of building a wealth in relation with your family and other significant people in your life before you retire so that you can actually enjoy your retirement. " no one wants to retire rich and miserable" he said and I can't agree more.
If you hadn't grab your copy yet, do yourself a favor and do. And if you can get it in audio form it will be better, as you can't miss the chance of listening to his deep convincing voice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 472 reviews