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How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement
Recent statistics suggest that nearly two-thirds of Americans regret not planning properly for retirement. We tend to underestimate the key factors of retirement planning: our total lifespan; the probable length of our retirement; and, perhaps most significant, how much money we’ll need to fund those years in retirement. In fact, retirement planning can feel so overwhelming that many of us put off thinking about it at all until it’s too late to make the necessary changes.
Of course, the future tends to get here before we know it - and it does not arrive with its own financial security unless we plan it that way. In How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement, Professor Dana Anspach of Sensible Money, LLC will be your step-by-step guide to help you create the future you want. No matter how old you are or how far along in your working life, it’s never too early or too late to develop a plan that works for you. Professor Anspach will take the mystery out of retirement planning by identifying specific questions you need to ask yourself, explaining exactly how to examine your personal finances, and demonstrating how a small change now can benefit you greatly later on. With vibrant and informative graphics, illuminating statistics, revealing real-world stories, and crystal-clear explanations, this course will make planning for retirement clearer and more attainable than ever before.
In this course, you’ll learn specific steps you should take right now to help you plan for the future no matter your income level, age, or family circumstance. Beginning to form a concrete plan allows you to take actionable steps and leave the worry behind.
Of course, the future tends to get here before we know it - and it does not arrive with its own financial security unless we plan it that way. In How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement, Professor Dana Anspach of Sensible Money, LLC will be your step-by-step guide to help you create the future you want. No matter how old you are or how far along in your working life, it’s never too early or too late to develop a plan that works for you. Professor Anspach will take the mystery out of retirement planning by identifying specific questions you need to ask yourself, explaining exactly how to examine your personal finances, and demonstrating how a small change now can benefit you greatly later on. With vibrant and informative graphics, illuminating statistics, revealing real-world stories, and crystal-clear explanations, this course will make planning for retirement clearer and more attainable than ever before.
In this course, you’ll learn specific steps you should take right now to help you plan for the future no matter your income level, age, or family circumstance. Beginning to form a concrete plan allows you to take actionable steps and leave the worry behind.
Audiobook
Published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2023
A very good general retirement work that covers all aspects of retirement - both the planning and savings for younger readers and also the efficient distribution of savings for those of us approaching that time. There were important lessons to be learned from solid tips about a savings plan (tip - when you are younger, get the "free" money that your employer may offer in matching 401k monies but put any excess savings into a Roth IRA. You'll thank Dana and I in about 35 years!!!) to tax strategies throughout a lifetime to fund distribution plans. Included are overview chapters on Social Security and Medicare. I recommend to all who are on the "south" side of the retirement spectrum.
October 6, 2023
Interesting audiobook on preparing for your future retirement. Includes 12 different lectures.
December 20, 2025
Dana Anspach’s "How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement" is a comprehensive and thoughtful guide to the financial aspects of retirement planning. Going far beyond the usual “rules of thumb,” Anspach offers comprehensive and nuanced insights that make this book a valuable resource for anyone preparing for retirement.
The book takes a holistic approach, addressing not only saving and investment strategies, but also lifestyle decisions, healthcare, estate planning, and the tax implications of retirement. This broad scope allows the author to provide a complete roadmap and practical framework for thoughtful retirement planning.
One of the book’s most important contributions is its insistence that retirement is not a monolithic phase. Rather, it comprises three distinct periods: an active early phase, a transitional middle period when expenses associated with traveling and other activities decrease, and a later phase where medical care needs are likely to increase. Each of these stages comes with different spending patterns and risks, and Anspach offers strategies tailored to these evolving needs.
She also explores the complexities of investment risk with refreshing clarity. Even seemingly safe investments, such as index funds and bonds, carry certain risks that are important to understand, especially for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of financial planning.
Index funds are widely regarded as low-cost, diversified investments because they track the performance of a broad market index, like the S&P 500. However, they are still subject to market fluctuations. If the stock market drops significantly at the time you need to withdraw money from your index fund, you may have to sell your shares at a loss, locking in a smaller amount of money than expected. This is known as timing risk—your investment's value depends not only on long-term trends but also on the specific timing of withdrawals.
Bonds, on the other hand, are generally more stable than stocks. When you buy a bond and hold it to maturity, and if the issuer doesn’t default, bonds are very likely to return your investment as promised. However, their market value can drop if interest rates rise after your purchase. This is because newer bonds may offer higher interest rates, making your older bond less attractive if you try to sell it before maturity.
To manage these kinds of risks, Anspach recommends a staged investment strategy. This involves matching your investments to your timeline for needing the money. Funds that you'll need in the short term should be placed in ultra-safe vehicles like cash equivalents or short-term bonds. For funds not needed for many years, you can afford to take on more risk by investing in stocks or stock-based index funds, which have greater potential for growth over time. This strategy helps ensure that money is available when needed, without being forced to sell during unfavorable market conditions.
Unexpected expenses—often underestimated in retirement planning—receive their due attention here. Anspach advises readers to account for major one-time costs like vehicle replacement or home repairs, and to either set aside an emergency fund or adopt flexible spending strategies to cope with unforeseen budget strains. Medical expenses, which are difficult to predict, are another focal point. The book outlines various insurance options, such as long-term care insurance, and encourages readers to prepare contingency plans.
Anspach also provides an in-depth look at the government’s role in retirement financing. Understanding how to optimize benefits from Medicare and Social Security, and how to manage taxes on different income streams, is essential to preserving wealth in retirement. Strategic timing of asset withdrawals—especially from tax-deferred accounts—can have a significant impact on the net income one receives.
Estate planning is another area that Anspach deftly incorporates into the retirement strategy. She warns against prematurely liquidating assets intended for heirs, pointing out that beneficiaries can benefit significantly from the “step-up” provision when inheriting certain assets.
The book’s presentation is another of its strengths. Rich with factual information and practical insights, the lectures are delivered in an accessible and engaging manner. Anspach avoids promoting specific products or services, which enhances the book’s credibility and usefulness across a range of financial situations.
However, there are areas where the organization could be improved. Some repetition occurs across lectures, though this is perhaps inevitable in a work that tackles a complex, multidimensional topic like financial planning. One potential improvement could be to introduce foundational topics such as investment, healthcare, and government programs up front, followed by their integration into a cohesive planning strategy.
It’s also worth noting that the book remains strictly focused on financial planning. While this clear boundary helps maintain focus, readers would benefit from at least a brief acknowledgment of how financial planning intersects with other retirement considerations such as housing, social relationships, hobbies, travel, and end-of-life care arrangements. Offering direction toward additional resources in these areas could enrich the book’s usefulness even further.
In conclusion, "How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement" is an invaluable guide for individuals preparing for or entering retirement. It is packed with insightful advice, practical tools, and thoughtful analysis that go well beyond the basics. Despite some organizational shortcomings and a narrow scope of focus, Dana Anspach provides readers with a solid foundation for understanding and managing the financial dimensions of retirement. This book will serve as a reliable and empowering resource for anyone looking to approach their retirement years with confidence and clarity.
The book takes a holistic approach, addressing not only saving and investment strategies, but also lifestyle decisions, healthcare, estate planning, and the tax implications of retirement. This broad scope allows the author to provide a complete roadmap and practical framework for thoughtful retirement planning.
One of the book’s most important contributions is its insistence that retirement is not a monolithic phase. Rather, it comprises three distinct periods: an active early phase, a transitional middle period when expenses associated with traveling and other activities decrease, and a later phase where medical care needs are likely to increase. Each of these stages comes with different spending patterns and risks, and Anspach offers strategies tailored to these evolving needs.
She also explores the complexities of investment risk with refreshing clarity. Even seemingly safe investments, such as index funds and bonds, carry certain risks that are important to understand, especially for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of financial planning.
Index funds are widely regarded as low-cost, diversified investments because they track the performance of a broad market index, like the S&P 500. However, they are still subject to market fluctuations. If the stock market drops significantly at the time you need to withdraw money from your index fund, you may have to sell your shares at a loss, locking in a smaller amount of money than expected. This is known as timing risk—your investment's value depends not only on long-term trends but also on the specific timing of withdrawals.
Bonds, on the other hand, are generally more stable than stocks. When you buy a bond and hold it to maturity, and if the issuer doesn’t default, bonds are very likely to return your investment as promised. However, their market value can drop if interest rates rise after your purchase. This is because newer bonds may offer higher interest rates, making your older bond less attractive if you try to sell it before maturity.
To manage these kinds of risks, Anspach recommends a staged investment strategy. This involves matching your investments to your timeline for needing the money. Funds that you'll need in the short term should be placed in ultra-safe vehicles like cash equivalents or short-term bonds. For funds not needed for many years, you can afford to take on more risk by investing in stocks or stock-based index funds, which have greater potential for growth over time. This strategy helps ensure that money is available when needed, without being forced to sell during unfavorable market conditions.
Unexpected expenses—often underestimated in retirement planning—receive their due attention here. Anspach advises readers to account for major one-time costs like vehicle replacement or home repairs, and to either set aside an emergency fund or adopt flexible spending strategies to cope with unforeseen budget strains. Medical expenses, which are difficult to predict, are another focal point. The book outlines various insurance options, such as long-term care insurance, and encourages readers to prepare contingency plans.
Anspach also provides an in-depth look at the government’s role in retirement financing. Understanding how to optimize benefits from Medicare and Social Security, and how to manage taxes on different income streams, is essential to preserving wealth in retirement. Strategic timing of asset withdrawals—especially from tax-deferred accounts—can have a significant impact on the net income one receives.
Estate planning is another area that Anspach deftly incorporates into the retirement strategy. She warns against prematurely liquidating assets intended for heirs, pointing out that beneficiaries can benefit significantly from the “step-up” provision when inheriting certain assets.
The book’s presentation is another of its strengths. Rich with factual information and practical insights, the lectures are delivered in an accessible and engaging manner. Anspach avoids promoting specific products or services, which enhances the book’s credibility and usefulness across a range of financial situations.
However, there are areas where the organization could be improved. Some repetition occurs across lectures, though this is perhaps inevitable in a work that tackles a complex, multidimensional topic like financial planning. One potential improvement could be to introduce foundational topics such as investment, healthcare, and government programs up front, followed by their integration into a cohesive planning strategy.
It’s also worth noting that the book remains strictly focused on financial planning. While this clear boundary helps maintain focus, readers would benefit from at least a brief acknowledgment of how financial planning intersects with other retirement considerations such as housing, social relationships, hobbies, travel, and end-of-life care arrangements. Offering direction toward additional resources in these areas could enrich the book’s usefulness even further.
In conclusion, "How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement" is an invaluable guide for individuals preparing for or entering retirement. It is packed with insightful advice, practical tools, and thoughtful analysis that go well beyond the basics. Despite some organizational shortcomings and a narrow scope of focus, Dana Anspach provides readers with a solid foundation for understanding and managing the financial dimensions of retirement. This book will serve as a reliable and empowering resource for anyone looking to approach their retirement years with confidence and clarity.
September 29, 2025
Dana Anspach’s How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement is a thoughtful and practical guide designed to demystify the complexities of retirement planning. Drawing from her experience as a financial advisor, Anspach breaks down intimidating topics like Social Security, Medicare, investment strategies, and withdrawal planning into digestible, actionable steps. Her approach is refreshingly personal, emphasizing that retirement is not just about numbers—it’s about aligning your financial decisions with the lifestyle you envision.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its structure. Anspach organizes retirement into phases—“go-go,” “slow-go,” and “no-go” years—helping readers anticipate how their needs and spending will evolve over time. She also introduces five key risks retirees face, such as longevity and market volatility, and offers strategies to mitigate them. Real-life examples and case studies throughout the book make the material relatable and reinforce the importance of planning early and revisiting your strategy regularly.
Overall, How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement is an empowering read for anyone approaching retirement or simply wanting to get ahead of the curve. It’s especially valuable for readers who feel overwhelmed by financial jargon or unsure where to begin. With clarity, compassion, and a wealth of practical advice, Anspach equips readers to take control of their future and build a retirement that’s not just financially secure—but personally fulfilling
One of the book’s strengths lies in its structure. Anspach organizes retirement into phases—“go-go,” “slow-go,” and “no-go” years—helping readers anticipate how their needs and spending will evolve over time. She also introduces five key risks retirees face, such as longevity and market volatility, and offers strategies to mitigate them. Real-life examples and case studies throughout the book make the material relatable and reinforce the importance of planning early and revisiting your strategy regularly.
Overall, How to Plan for the Perfect Retirement is an empowering read for anyone approaching retirement or simply wanting to get ahead of the curve. It’s especially valuable for readers who feel overwhelmed by financial jargon or unsure where to begin. With clarity, compassion, and a wealth of practical advice, Anspach equips readers to take control of their future and build a retirement that’s not just financially secure—but personally fulfilling
January 16, 2022
Did you know you could break down your retirement to the "go-go years, the slow-go years and the no-go years"??? Why is this important? Well you might need to spend different amounts of money in years in each category. Go-go years you might spend more on travel and entertainment, the no-go years more on healthcare.
Go beyond the 60/40 asset allocation model. To reduce your stress level caused by volatile investments one can use asset-liability matching or the bucket approach. Set aside the money you need for the next 5 to ten years in stable investments such as CDs or fixed annuities or bonds that come due in the year needed. Think of the stock market of having a duration of 25 to 30 years.
Inflation has the greatest impact on necessities. Therefore it has the greatest impact on the budget of lower income individuals who spend the biggest percentage of their income on necessities.
Go beyond the 60/40 asset allocation model. To reduce your stress level caused by volatile investments one can use asset-liability matching or the bucket approach. Set aside the money you need for the next 5 to ten years in stable investments such as CDs or fixed annuities or bonds that come due in the year needed. Think of the stock market of having a duration of 25 to 30 years.
Inflation has the greatest impact on necessities. Therefore it has the greatest impact on the budget of lower income individuals who spend the biggest percentage of their income on necessities.
January 24, 2023
"It was okay." - 2 out of 5 star rating.
This is a very entry-level, new starter, beginners guide to someone who struggles to understand the most basic concepts of investing/retirement savings.
I would honestly say the target audience for this book would ideally be juniors or seniors in High School.
Anything beyond that, this is really going to leave you longing for something more meatier than what you get here.
When it comes to this particular knowledge domain - I see myself as upper middle class. I am not an expert by any means, but I am above baseline/middle-of-the-road.
If you have knowledge/experience within this realm, this Great Course offers nothing new and is not worth your time.
This is a very entry-level, new starter, beginners guide to someone who struggles to understand the most basic concepts of investing/retirement savings.
I would honestly say the target audience for this book would ideally be juniors or seniors in High School.
Anything beyond that, this is really going to leave you longing for something more meatier than what you get here.
When it comes to this particular knowledge domain - I see myself as upper middle class. I am not an expert by any means, but I am above baseline/middle-of-the-road.
If you have knowledge/experience within this realm, this Great Course offers nothing new and is not worth your time.
July 11, 2023
I really liked the professor. Her voice was enthusiastic and she gave good, sensible advice. However I stopped listening once she started talking about the beginning of retirement and starting to draw on your savings. I am already retired (disabled, actually). I am already drawing on whatever meager savings I have. It is not even remotely as much as the professor is talking about. It was just making me depressed, so I stopped listening.
I doubt I will be listening to this audiobook again, but I encourage younger listeners to do so and heed her advice.
I doubt I will be listening to this audiobook again, but I encourage younger listeners to do so and heed her advice.
March 5, 2023
Excellent class on building a successful retirement plan. I am a retired financial planner with over 27 years of experience. Ms Anspach advice is spot on and shows step by step on how to plan successfully for retirement .
February 21, 2021
It's good, and touches on many aspects of saving, retirement, living on retirement, various pitfalls and saving as couples. It gives a good general overview.
November 5, 2021
No notes, Audible
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2022
Authoritative and accessible. Concise while covering all the major topics.
May 21, 2023
Validation!
January 31, 2024
This was a very good overview of planning for retirement. Goodreads only seems to list the Audible version, but I listened to this for free via Libby.
August 2, 2024
Very informative. To plan for the retirement, especially withdraws, there are so many moving things to considerate. This book provided a good introduction for me.
September 16, 2024
Basically plan to be alive until you are 100 and don't spend any of your money now because you will need it to pay for wherever you choose to rot during the last 20 years of your life. Depressing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
Watched The Great Courses version in August 2024. This time just listened to audiobook. For a refresher.
July 31, 2024
A nice refresher course on retirement planning. Learned a few tips to help my parents navigate social security.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews