
Title : Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well
Author : Ralph 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 : You've Earned It, Don't Lose It: Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make When You Retire
Author : Suze Orman
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Must read for anyone concerned with his/her estate.
Superbly written. Easy to read. Explains, in simple terms, trusts, investments, estate taxes, and things you MUST know as long before you approach retirment. Lays out some things you can't afford not to do. Best $10-$15 you ever spent. Could return payment in thousands.
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Title : 12 Steps to a Worry-Free Retirement
Author : Daniel Kehrer
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Easy to understand.
This book lays out what you need to know about planning your retirement using easy to understand text and charts. The chapter I liked best was: Step 12 Monitor Your Retirement Plan's Pulse, I think its a good idea to read this chapter first.

Title : The Joy of Not Working: A Book for the Retired, Unemployed, and Overworked
Author : Ernie J. Zelinski
Rating : 3 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Average at best
There are a lot of great books that deal with creativity. This is not one of them. Average, at best, it might fit the bill is someone was looking for a superfluous treatment of creativity.

Title : The Pension Book: What You Need to Know to Prepare for Retirement
Author : Karen Ferguson
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : wonderful and informative book
Finally, a pension and retirement income book by someone not trying to sell you anything! Karen Ferguson and Kate Blackwell have crafted a remarkable book that combines a thoughtful analysis of what ails the current retirement income system with some "how to" advice on how to get your own retirement income and pension questions answered and disputes resolved. This is as it should be for, as a collective citizenry, we are appalling ignorant about the structure of retirement income in the United States. In the same way, it is rare to meet a person (of any level of education) who fully understands their own retirement income plan. We, as responsible citizens and as tomorrow's retirees, need to learn a whole lot more. This book is the place to start.

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 : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : One of the best all round books on retirement planning!
As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend this book to many of my clients who are seriously planning their retirements. Warner has done a great job putting things in the proper perspective with a book that is an "easy read". While adequate money is important to a satisfactory retirement (and helping clients build a satisfactory net worth is how I make my living), I do find, as has Warner, that there are more important things such as health, friends, and a purpose (i.e., reasons to get up in the morning) when it comes to planning out one's retirement. I frequently ask clients what they plan to do when they retire. When they say "go fishing" or "play golf", I then ask them what they plan to do the second week/month/year. And I keep asking the question until they realize that its a serious one. Warner takes it further with discussion and clear examples. In short, a must read for anyone approaching retirement.