
Title : The Old Fool's Retirement Guide
Author : Rob Davies
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Invaluable advice for not much money.
Unfortunately, the majority of people in the UK are rather ignorant of matters financial. As a Nation we are more than happy to delegate the management of our finances to so called "experts":- Financial advisers, pension consultants, Banks, Stock Brokers etc. etc. The big problem with this approach is the inescapable fact that all these middlemen take a big slice out of the individuals hard earned money in fees thereby reducing substancially the overall returns that are possible.
The antidote to this is to adopt the "Pick your own Strawberries" approach to your finances. In the same way that you can get lots of lovely strawberries for less money by picking them direct from the field yourself, (cutting out the middlemen!) you can, with a little time and effort adopt the same principles with your finances.
The Motley Fool series of books are the best I have yet come across to help the would be "Financial do it yourself'er". The OLD FOOLS RETIREMENT GUIDE is the latest in the series and is packed with invaluable information as to how to plan for your financial future. It is written in a concise easily digestible format and conveys it's very relevant points with humour and honesty. Pensions and investments need not be complicated as the City types would have you believe. This book blows a hole in the pomposity that surrounds finance and pensions. A great little read.

Title : The Bond Book
Author : Annette Thau
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Excellence is the word for this book.
I think this one of the best books of bonds I ever read, It will help you to understand the risks involving dealing with bonds and the quite complex world of the bond market, basic reference for professionals as private investors.

Title : Senior Savvy: How to Make the Most of Your Life Savings Before and After Retire
Author : Kenneth A. Stern
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : extremely helpful
The book discussed so many subjects that I have been looking for answers in. From estate planning to investment tips. I am glad I bought this book

Title : Rich Dad's Prophecy
Author : Sharon L. Lechter
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Building your ship or your castle? You choose. But do build
This is a wake up call to anyone still thinking that learning the investment game is optional. It is NOT!
This is a very useful addition to the Rich Dad's series mainly because it helps screw in concepts from the first book Rich Dad Poor Dad, the second one The Cash Flow Quadrant and the third one Guide to Investing.
I see each one as a lecture. And there is a constant build up helping to shape and focus the mind of newbies in the world of professional investment.

Title : 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 : Ageing Body, Confused Mind
Author : Pete May
Rating : 5 Stars out of 5.
Summary : Ageing Body, Confused Mind
This is the funniest book I have ever read. I was looking for practical help with growing older and this book demonstrated to me that ageing does not have to be a problem, depending on how you look at it. We should all grow old as Pete May suggests - laughing and being ourselves. Thank you for showing me an alternative.

Title : Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well
Author : Ralph Warner
Rating : 4 Stars out of 5.
Summary : A common sense approach to planning for retirement.
This book should be required reading for people in their 30's and 40's. It emphasizes keeping active, having a wide variety of interests, and developing friends of all ages. It's a good antidote to all those financial planners who try to make you feel guilty about not having "X" millions of dollars invested so they can make commissions off your money. A good gift for middle age yuppies.