
Title : How to Avoid Inheritance Tax
Author : Carl Bayley
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A complete beginners guide.
A clear, simple explanation of a very complex subject. Worked examples add to the clarity. Gives the status of the law in early 2005. In some areas, e.g. trusts, you may feel the need to get further explanation but this book gives sufficient detail for most people.
Gave me enough knowledge to be able to talk, and argue, with the IFA and put forward a proposal that suited my family.

Title : Rich Dad's Prophecy
Author : Sharon L. Lechter
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Beware 2016! -- Good Financial Education for New Investors
Before commenting on the book's message and argument, let me discuss its communications style. There is a great on-going debate about whether the details that Mr. Kiyosaki presents about himself and his "Rich" and his "Poor" (and biological) Dad are literally true. I don't know, and I don't intend to try to find out. For my purposes, I treat the communications style of this book as a fable to help teach a lesson. I do evaluate the accuracy of the lesson itself in these comments.
If you've read some of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad books before, the main new information in this book is an explanation of why stock market investing with pension money is a dangerous way to grow your "wealth." In addition to being at risk from con men, thieves, incompetents, brokerage houses and market volatility, you face the ticking time bomb of a growing number of U. S. investors being legally required to liquidate their holdings beginning at age 70 1/2. As the Baby Boom generation turns 70 1/2 beginning in 2016, the selling moves from being a trickle into being a torrent that overwhelms new funds into the market at some point . . . followed by an inevitable collapse in stock values. If you want a more detailed, confirming discussion of this issue, the book, What If Boomers Can't Retire?, is a good choice. Harry S. Dent, Jr.'s demographic books also look at this issue.
If you already believe in the messages of the earlier books, you could skip this one . . . especially if you have already decided to avoid or minimize stock-market investments.
If you have read none of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series, I suggest that you start with Rich Dad, Poor Dad before tackling this one. You'll understand this book better if you do.
The other problem with traditional defined contribution pension investing (usually by 401-k plans), of course, is that a pension fund contribution takes lots of cash out of your pocket (unless the employer matching is very generous -- way more than 2:1) to put some money into the retirement account. So you face the possibility of being much poorer in cash flow while you save for retirement investing and poorer when you cash out of the investment after you pay the taxes on what you take back in what could be smaller values. Imagine if you had had to start withdrawing from your pension fund in 1929. That's one nice illustration that I enjoyed in the book. Possibly, the same could occur after 2016. Who knows?
The second half of the book advises you on how to build a financial ark against hard times by relying on building cash-generating businesses and investments (such as rental properties) after you achieve your financial education (which you didn't learn in school, even if you got a business degree from most schools). You are encouraged to start small and develop various kinds of control over your emotions, advisors and actions. It's all sound advice. My only complaint is that people who are going to start making real estate investments and building cash-generating businesses need a lot more information than is here. I graded the book down one star, accordingly.
The first half of the book could have been shortened up quite a bit, but for those who are unaware of the demographic time bomb's potential effect on their investments, it may help to get the story in small doses.
The surprise for a lot of people in this book is going to be that what they hear every day from best-selling "authorities" about the "right rules" of retirement investing could easily turn out to be wrong for them.
After you absorb and begin to apply these lessons, I suggest that you think about where in your life the conventional wisdom led you down the wrong path. Where else could that be happening to you now?

Title : Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well (Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well)
Author : Ralph E. Warner
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Excellent Contrarian Viewpoint
This book should be required reading for anyone who thinks about retirement, from those just starting out in their 20's and 30's to those nearing retirement. The book is a refreshing, contrarian view to the conventional wisdom of "save tons of money for retirement", "you'll need 70-100% of your current income in retirement", etc., etc., etc. The traditional retirement literature is focused almost exclusively on money, with which Warner takes exception.
Warner's focus is on the whole person - he makes a very compelling argument that money is a FACTOR in a good retirement, but that it is also important to cultivate health, outside interests, friendships and family. He believes these latter factors have a FAR greater influence on a successful retirement than money. He bases this viewpoint on research among those enjoying active, successful retirements.
Warner is not a Pollyanna, saying not to even think about retirement savings (as some critics seem to suggest). The book contains some common sense ideas on savings and admits that having SOME money may help. Warner's point, however, is that money alone isn't going to make you have a successful retirement if you neglected your family, friends, outside interests, spirituality and health in order to get the money.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who ever thinks about retirement. You may not agree with the proposition, but the book will really help expand your view of the elements of a good retirement and may help you plan a more enjoyable life.

Title : The 401(k) Millionaire: How I Started with Nothing and Made a Million and You Can, Too
Author : Knute Iwaszko
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Changing my ways in 1999!
I never saved much because I didn't believe my small savings could make any difference and I never knew what to do with my money. Read this book to learn why saving is key and time (and compound interest!) are your best friends. The book also suggests money allocation strategies as you get nearer to your goals.

Title : Social Security, Medicare, and Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement and Medical Benefits
Author : Joseph L. Matthews
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Great summary of the Social Security system!
This happens to be the best all-around book concerning the difficult subject of Social Security that I have read. Understandable and very well written. The sections regarding disability are filled with just the info I needed to know.

Title : Funny, I Don't Feel Old!: How to Flourish After 50
Author : Carter F. Henderson
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A great gift
I gave this book to my mother and father after they turned 55 and they both enjoyed it very much

Title : Have a Healthy and Happy Retirement Pbk'b'Format(Ntc USA Edition) Help Yourself Series
Author : Michael Apple
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : How to enjoy freedom better health a comfortable lifestyle
One of the greatest changes to have taken place over the last years is the attitude to retirement and ageing. No longer do the older generation creep along as Old Age Pensioners. Instead we see Seniors enjoying their freedom, better health, and with a little luck and planning, a comfortable lifestyle.
Dr Michael Apple, a GP who is also a writer, has brought all this together in his latest book. He urges anyone approaching retirement to think positively about what it will mean, and to seize with both hands the opportunities which are there. He advises us not to let this major change in life catch up on us without some planning, since he points out that in retirement we are viewed in a different light not only by others but by ourselves as well. He explains how some of the relationships we have will change, and how and why even our children may look at us differently.
So, read this book to find out about how to make the most of your opportunities - browse through it - and you will find out all you need to know about moving from a fixed daily routine to using your time more freely. He acknowledges that poor health or a disability may be a factor to contend with, and gives good advice about how to cope with some of these problems.
His sound recommendations are: keep healthy physically and emotionally, look at how ageing affects the body and the mind, make sure you are safe, care for your appearance, and maybe even reassess your sex life.