The New Rules of Retirement: Strategies for a Secure Future

by Robert C. Carlson

Create the retirement you desire with proven financial strategies The New Rules of Retirement throws away the rules of thumb, clichés, and obsolete ideas. It provides a proven, updated approach to retiring successfully in today's world. In this new second edition based on independent, objective research, retirement expert Robert C. Carlson uses proven, profitable techniques to coordinate all the factors that lead to financial security and independence. You'll learn how much you really need to save for retirement, how to invest that nest egg before and during retirement, and how to establish a wise and sustainable spending strategy. Carlson will explain how to overcome the threats to lifetime financial security, such as longer life expectancy, low investment returns, higher taxes, and more. Importantly, you'll learn how to plan for the wildcards of retirement health care and long-term care expenses. This edition covers changes in key areas such as annuities, IRA management, estate planning, and income taxes. You'll learn how to merge these insights into your plan to enhance financial security and to provide for loved ones in the future.

Retirement no longer means being put out to pasture. Today's retirees are traveling the world, attending classes, developing new skills, starting businesses, mastering neglected hobbies, and more—well into their golden years. This guide helps ensure you have the financial independence to pursue the retirement you want through smart planning and effective financial strategies.

Know and overcome the threats to retiree financial security Learn the right way to estimate retirement spending Develop a sustainable spending strategy Invest your nest egg to make it last Plan for potential long-term health care Leave a legacy for loved ones The retirement is now a new phase of life, not a winding down. It's a time to live your best life and do things you couldn't before. But all the financial aspects of retirement have changed. To maintain financial security and create the retirement you desire, you need to be on top of the changes. The New Rules of Retirement provides the latest, proven strategies that help put the shine in your golden years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Business, Personal Finance

325 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2016

Reviews

[Debgal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the updated version, so the information is as current as publishing a hardcover book allows. There were a few pointers I picked up for consideration when I retire and have Medicare, need to take required minimum distributions and dental insurance vs. dental discount plans.

[Jay French · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read dozens of books on personal finance and retirement over the years, and I would say this is the best I’ve read so far. There seems to be two kinds of books when you read about retirement and personal finance. The first is the overall summary. These books re-iterate the basics. And mostly they all sound the same, with differences mostly related to the tax laws in effect when the book was written. The second kind of retirement/personal finance book is more of what I’d consider a specialist/scheme book. These would be books where the author thinks he has a unique take on financing retirement and describes his scheme in some detail. I’ve read these that focused on the use of life insurance, dividend stocks, and how to vacation cheaply. All at least have a chance of being interesting. Carlson’s book is closer to the first kind, the overview of all topics. But he goes into a level of detail that I haven’t often seen. And strangely, given the depth of the advice covered, I found the text well written and engaging. I learned quite a few things. And while parts will need to be updated for the 2018 changes to tax law, the basics are still quite appropriate.

Many times non-fiction books are used to tout an author’s other products. And I see that Carlson offers a newsletter and more on his website. I’ve looked at his website and I find the articles on his blog are also well written and on interesting topics if you’re into retirement planning. This might be the first book I’ve read that has convinced me to purchase something else by the author. From me, that’s pretty high praise since I tend to complain about “advertorial” content in books.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am old at 66. But anyone over 55 should read this book. It is an excellent, well-written, interesting and comprehensive guide to what everyone needs to consider as they near their retirement. It contains detailed information on the standard financial stuff - 401k, pension, social security, medicare, health care, stocks, annuities, wills, etc.. I know this stuff puts most people to sleep, but it is written in an easy to read style for the non-financial person. This 'stuff' is important to all of us and need the proper attention to be done correctly regardless of circumstances. Addtionally the book considers quality of life after retirement. Where to live, how to live and have purpose, keeping family and friends, and then the assisted living and needed care for old age - all of this issues are addressed and are important to understand.

In summary, this is a nice simple summation of the complexities of retirement. It provides a lot of hints and advice to make a successful and happy transition from the work world to the world of retirement.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I have said before retirement books can be boring until one comes along and refutes that statement. The New Rules of Retirement: Strategies for a Secure Future by Robert Carlson might differ on that statement. This is not a light read but a great primer to retirement planning. It focuses on maximizing your IRA, the time value of money, that Social Security might not be there when you need it and of course impact of the boomer generation. Carlson really knows his stuff. His advise is sound effective and reasonable. He presents it in a well balanced and clear presentation. One should learn a lot about how to prepare for retirement financially especially the tax liabilities that will confront you when you retire. A perfect book for those looking for retirement guidance.

[Karla Huebner]

This is a fairly recent and detailed look at planning for retirement, particularly for people close to retirement. It emphasizes sensible strategies for making sure one continues to have money throughout decades of retirement. While not as up-to-date as would be handy for the changes in tax law that came soon after it was published, it still has a lot to offer, especially when read along with other books on retirement planning.

[Gerald Kinro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plenty of information. It is a must read for not only those getting close to retirement but for those more than ten years away and even for those like myself, already retired.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t finish it. Outdated and too elementary for where I am in retirement planning.

[Novel_Nook_Cafe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful updated information. Easy to understand.

[Mari McR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was published in 2016. I am looking for the version for 2024 to discuss the signficant changes in tax law since.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I think this book was very well written, the target audience is clearly those who are extremely close to retirement. One of the key tips for retirement is to start early, yet Carlson seems to be talking to an audience aged 40-50, who likely either already has a handle on retirement or is too old to begin planning. This is also very relevant, as I'm in an age group that will likely see barely any benefits from social security, while those who are 40-50 will still receive significant benefits. Carlson notes that a significant portion of income will come from social security, and we should rely on this as a guaranteed source of income, yet he also says that changing laws in the future can throw a big wrench in plans. I skipped a fair portion of this book, such as long-term care preparation and spoiling the grandkids, as that isn't information I'd retain by the time I actually retire. I was looking to this book to learn how to begin planning for retirement, and some basic rules I should follow as I prepare. Instead I got a deep dive into topics for those extremely close to retirement, and debunking myths I've never even heard of. If you're above 40, this is a great read. For the younger audiences like me, skip it and check out something else for your retirement questions.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful technical handbook.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the focus is on financial planning for retirement, this practical guide does not neglect the soft issues of finding meaning and satisfaction in those years. The financial information is complex but understandable to a noun-financial person.

[Conrad Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather droll and terribly small print for old folks but informative as to technical issues

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would greatly benefit from a revised version to take into account changes in the last decade! Geared toward the older crowd, but still helpful for younger people starting their planning.