The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+: Winning Strategies to Make Your Money Last a Lifetime

by Suze Orman

The instant NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER
USA TODAY BESTSELLER
#1 PERSONAL FINANCE EXPERT

Revised & Updated for 2023

THE PATH TO YOUR ULTIMATE RETIREMENT STARTS RIGHT HERE!

Retirement today is more complex than ever before. It is most definitely not your parents' retirement. You will have to make decisions that weren't even part of the picture a generation ago. Without a clear-cut path to manage the money you’ve saved, you may feel like you're all on your own.

Except you're not—because Suze Orman has your back.

Suze is America's most recognized personal finance expert for a reason. She's been dispensing actionable advice for years to people seeking financial security. Now, in this revised and updated Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+ , which reflects recent changes in retirement rules passed by Congress, Suze gives you the no-nonsense advice and practical tools you need to plan wisely for your retirement in today's ever-changing landscape.

You'll find new rules for downsizing, spending wisely, delaying Social Security benefits, and more—starting where you are right now.

Suze knows money decisions are never just about money. She understands your hopes, your fears, your wishes, and your desires for your own life as well as for your loved ones. She will guide you on how to let go of regret and fear, and with her unparalleled knowledge and unique empathy, she will reveal practical and personal steps so you can always live your Ultimate Retirement life.

"I wrote this book for you," Suze says. "The worried, the fearful, the anxious. I know you need help navigating the road ahead. I've helped steer people toward happy and secure retirements my whole life, and that's exactly what I want to do for you."

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Money, Personal Finance, Reference, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

Published February 25, 2020

About the author

Suze Orman (born Susan Lynn Orman) is an American financial advisor, writer, and television personality.

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent!! I have reached that point in my life that I am seriously considering retirement and plotting that path near time. With this purchase, I was thinking this would be mostly about investment advice and it does have some of that. But this book was much more. She is trying to get people to think about all aspects of retirement, not just the pension. I think it was very helpful. Where to live, what kind of insurance, when you should retire, how to make it easier to pass inheritance to loved ones, pay off your house, don't lease cars, begin to downsize while you are still working, considerations for helping adult children, grandchildren when are on a fixed income and the list goes on. At the end of each chapter, she has a bullet list of the most important points as well as recommended resources. The book was updated for 2023. The audible version comes with a pdf (I have both) so that you can research her ideas and recommendations beyond the book. I will be referring to this book for a while. I did not expect so much food for thought and useful guidance. If you are 50+ years old, this is a great place to start considering your future. For its purpose, all the stars!!

5 Stars

Listened to Audible. Suze Orman narrated her own book and as you can imagine, she was perfect! I followed along on my kindle which was helpful.

[Efus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps the best point about this book is that it has current information as it was written just last year. Laws have changed and so has the industry so good to have current information
The advice in this book is pretty much the same as all other personnel finance books I have read over the last 20 years. I don’t think she does a very strong job of substantiating her points. For long term care her advice boils down to “look into it.” The Charles Schwab Guide to Finances After 50” is much more thorough, but now a bit dated on the tax laws.
The book ends with how happy she is enjoying the simple life on an island fishing. It bothers me when the very wealthy talk about happy we can all be with that simple life, as if their wealth isn’t much of a contributor to it.

[Jen Walawender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book (which was recommended to me - thank you, Lisa!) as it contains lots of valuable insights in all areas of retirement planning. Loved Suze's "tell it like it is" approach when giving advice - definitely resourceful as I will definitely be going back and revisiting parts of this book again and again in the future.

[Virginia]

As usual with Suze, it’s maybe half or less about the information and the rest is persuasion to eat your greens, er I mean save your money / generally do things that are good for ya.

This is not exactly hitting me at the right time... too early for me and most of it was too late to implement for mom. But! I did learn some basic things I’d somehow never learned about Roth 401k’s, trusts, and a couple others that did make me go and change some of my and mom’s arrangements. So I guess in the end it was super helpful because I’m actually following some of its advice.

And I have to say it. I really wish I had a house on an island to retire to, ha. Oh the dreams.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyment Rating: 4.5🌟
Writing Quality: 4.5🌟
Audiobook Narration: 4.5🌟

It was only around two months ago that I discovered Suze Orman. I'd been struggling with my lack of financial knowledge and went searching for a guru who actually seemed trustworthy AND didn't explain things in a condescending manner. It was because of that journey that I stumbled upon her podcast advising women (and the men smart enough to listen) on how to obtain, and maintain financial freedom and security. After listening to every podcast episode, I've become entirely enthralled by her every word, so of course I was going to dive into The Ultimate Retirement Guide - even though I have quite a few years to go before reaching 50. In this book, Suze walks you through where to live when you retire, how and where to invest when you're no longer working, important conversations you need to have with family, the important documents you need on hand to protect you and your assets, and much more. I appreciate having a firmer foundation of things I need to be aware of as I grow older, and I also like that I know what conversations I should start having with my own mother (who does fall into this age category). I think you should immediately go seek out a copy of this book, and if you're into audio reads you can listen for free at www.suzeormanaudio.com. Listen to the podcast. She is fantastic!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this book and appreciating its advice just before the coronavirus pandemic hit and the stock market crashed. I couldn't bring myself to go back to it till after the 2020 presidential election, when at least one aspect of my anxieties seemed to be on the way to resolution. Orman gives great advice and seems to really know her stuff. I suggest people read this book well before they retire--maybe in their 40s or 50s--so they have time to set themselves up to be in the best position to retire when they are able, but best not until you are 70 or so, barring extenuating circumstances. The hard part is to make yourself take the time and effort to follow Orman's advice, but it is/would be well worth doing. The book has many helpful checklists so you can see what you need to do and how you are making progress. I just hope I can make myself do some of the things that are left on the lists so that I can take advantage of reading the book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't follow the author that well, but this book had some good tips for me (who just turned 50 this year). I particularly like her quote, "It's better to do nothing than something you don't understand." I can follow that advice very well.

While I don't have gobs of money to invest -- I can make the choice to either 1. move to a cheaper place now, 2. pay off my house as quickly as as I can, or 3. start putting money in a 401k in addition to my pension.

So the book was very helpful.

[Astrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this from the library and then promptly bought it so my husband can read it. I like Orman in that she is very straightforward, no bull, and she looks at pros and cons, coupled with a lot of common sense. And she has a sense of humor to boot. Excellent book I will return to again and again, which is what her intention was, I think.

[Mskychick · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars? I guess. Virtually all of the information is stuff I’ve already known, but it’s packaged well for those who are uninformed.
There are a few good website or research suggestions that made the book worthwhile to me

[Shari Houtman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a bad book, but Suze assumes that her readers are middle to upper middle class. That you have a new car and own a home. That you can afford high deductible health insurance just to get the HSA. I’m by no means poor but so much of this book didn’t apply to me that I stopped reading.

[Chintushig Tumenbayar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Тэтгэвэрт гарах нас хол байгаа ч энэ төрлийн мэдээлэл эртнээс олж авах ямар хэрэгтэй ойлгож авлаа.

Бид бүгд тэтгэвэрт гарсан хойноо аз жаргалтай, тайван амгалан байхыг хүсдэг ч тэгж чаддаг билүү. Монголд энэ үзүүлэлт доогуур л болвуу. Үр хүүхдүүдээсээ хэт хамааралтай, тэтгэврийн хувийн хадгаламжгүй учир төрөөс өгсөн хэдэн төгрөгөө хэрхэн хүргэж амьдрах вэ гэсэн байдал илүүтэй ажиглагддаг.

Тэгтэл бидэнд үүсэж болох эрүүл мэнд, санхүүгийн эрсдэлүүд бодит, үүнийг хэрхэн шийдэх талаар олон талын нарийн мэргэжлийн зөвлөгөө авлаа. Одооноос авч хэрэгжүүлэх ч зүйлүүд байсныг онцлох хэрэгтэй. Сэтгэгдэл их үлдээсэн тул блогтоо нийтлэл болгон оруулсан байгаа. Спойлер хийхгүй нь үүднээс линкийг нь энэ доор 2 хоногийн дараа байршуулчихъя. Өдөрт 1 нийтлэл бичдэг юм өнөө маргаашийн нийтлэл хэдийн бичигдсэн байгаа тул пост болох орохыг хүлээх л үлдлээ.

[Douglas Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book that everyone on my Friend’s list ages 44-55 should read right now! I have trusted Suzy’s financial advice for years and she has plenty of sound advice to give in her latest book. Not to mention that she and I share a very similar philosophy when it comes to money. It took me two months to actually read this one because the first few chapters caused so much anxiety that I couldn’t pick it back up for several weeks! But we all must, “Stand in our truth,” as Suzy wisely says.

[Jami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with her advice most of the time but this book was different. Not everybody wants to work until they are 70! Not enough retirement time to enjoy and saving money to last until you are 100?

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suze, you preached, you coerced, you convinced me, and ultimately, you taught me. Okay, I give in. I now accept the wisdom of your words: In retirement you need to ensure that all living expenses are paid out of your guaranteed income. This way the vagaries of the market will not effect your day to day living as much. How do you ensure this? First, pay off that mortgage before you retire. Or perhaps think about moving somewhere cheaper.... Not an option in Southern California.

What are guaranteed incomes? If you work for government, like I do, it would be your pension. Otherwise, it would be Social Security. If you have an annuity, it would be that. All 3 of these monthly payments are guaranteed for life, meaning you will not outlive your money. If you can, you need to try to maximize these. How? If you can, pay into a work-provided annuity and max it out. Work longer to get a bigger pension payment. I have my eyes set on 65 as a good retirement age, but Suze is really bullying me to consider 70 instead. Sigh......

Also, if you have investments, these are things which can fluctuate in good or bad markets and are not as reliable as the guaranteed income. That's why this will be your extra income, for other things that do not cover living expenses. She helped me to realize that if I have a little extra money, it might be better to stash it into a Roth IRA rather than buying stocks with it. I can buy the exact same stocks, just within the protection of a retirement vehicle.... Huh..... Protecting what little money I have, who would've thunk it?

Thanks Suze! You're always helpful, but I always feel a little beaten up afterwards and I always finish your books with a long to-do list that will hopefully whip my puny little finances into shape.... Until I read your next book.....

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to finish this in the hammock on the first afternoon of a two-week vacation. Lots of highlighting and folded pages--perhaps will continue to finish our updates re: trust and will during these two weeks. Good to have this resource and hope for the future. Willing to share the book with others--grateful for the encouragement that we are the ones that will care the most about our own money and therefore it's our responsibility to become knowledgable about how to best save and spend. Appreciate that the goal of paying down the mortgage prior to retirement...pushed us to the HELOC option.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suze never fails to offer common-sense advice, and even though I have been retired for six years, I was able to glean out some good information for planning our future financial affairs. Pair this with In Case You Get Hit by a Bus: How to Organize Your Life Now for When You're Not Around Later which gives more practical advice and details on handling non-financial aspects of organizing personal affairs for your demise.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever watched one of her PBS specials or read any of her prior books, the advice provided will be familiar: participate in 401(k) to get full match from employer, seek to pay off your mortgage before you retire, build the emergency fund, etc. Nevertheless, the advice and guidance is worthwhile to consider and act upon. Glad I read this book. I am certain I will consult it again in the future.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Suze. Her books and TV show have helped me through financial challenges and triumphs for many years. As I now turn my attention to planning for retirement, this book was perfect for helping me understand what's involved and what I need to do in the upcoming years to stay secure and stable after I retire. Highly recommended for anyone over 50.

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great food-for-thought and something I will reference back to. I am much younger than what the book suggests, but important to understand as my parents are reaching retirement age and many financial choices r they make today will affect me. Also good content for more reference when starting retirement planning at a young age.

[Reeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Suze gives practical, sensible information that you can do for yourself.
She also doesn't suggest that you should live in a ditch under an umbrella for a few years so that you can be a millionaire after that.

[Melisa Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

I marked it down from five stars only because there were typos that annoyed me along the way. This book was incredibly informative and helpful; I look forward TL using it as a reference from this point on. I love that Suze writes how she speaks; I could hear her voice in my head as I read it!

[Jim Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suze delivers no BS guidance on what to have in place financially so retirement years can be more enjoyable with fewer surprises. This book will be a helpful reference for me as I continue to plan and manage my approach to retirement. Thanks Suze!

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice all around. Very standard common-sense guidance, which is the best kind. Chapter 7 on how and where to invest and the parting thoughts section at the end were the most useful to me. I recommend it.

[Liz W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio book is read by Suze Orman herself. I love her gift for gab, her upbeat personality, and her obvious knowledge of what to do in retirement. I love some new things and was validated for steps I have taken. I recommend you read or listen to this book if you are over 50.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't what to work until you're 70, you better buy this book! Max out your Roth IRA every year, and pay off your mortgage before you retire. Good luck.

[Mlg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of this is covered in her previous books, but her chapters on RMD was very helpful, as was her advice on choosing a financial advisor.

[Josephine Olok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book has been written for an American audience, it offers some very useful advise in planning for retirement. Style is direct and practical.

[Tomi Shmaisani]

Very good information if you are close to retirement. I wish I had found this information about 2 years ago as I took steps that she advises against. I plan on making some of the moves she suggests and hopefully will be better prepared in about 10 years for my retirement.

[Terry · Rating 1 out of 5]

By keeping things simple and definite, the author employs generalizations that may be grossly off base--I disagree with at least half of her specific recommendations.

[MJH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of Suze Orman's television personality, so I was hesitant to pick up this book recommended by a friend. But I found it informative, practical, and easy to read.