The AARP® Retirement Survival Guide: How to Make Smart Financial Decisions in Good Times and Bad

by Julie Jason

Bank bailouts. Ponzi schemes. Plunging financial markets. Given today’s dire headlines, planning a secure retirement has become a more critical task than ever. Now, for Americans seeking safety and stability in a time of wrenching economic change, comes investment educator Julie Jason with this no-nonsense guide offering time-tested, rock-solid retirement advice for people of every income level. In addition to showing those on the verge of retirement how to create their own “personal pension,” Jason deftly guides prospective retirees through the otherwise bewildering process of evaluating their needs, anticipating future expenses (and managing current ones), and converting present assets into future retirement income. To achieve this goal, she assembles—and shares with the reader—an entire tool kit of self-assessments, tables, checklists, and essential questions.  

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Business

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 6, 2008

Reviews

[Charles Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in 2009, so somewhat dated, but still a worthwhile read if you are planning to retire or already retired in that the topics Ms. Jason touches upon are still very much relevant e.g., knowing your cash flow, expense burn, savings and saving rate, investments products, sources of retirement income, picking a financial advisor, etc. She gives examples of couples and individuals throughout along with hints and warnings of what to do and not to do.

Statistics range from 35% to 40% of Americans having no retirement savings. With the U.S. population around 330 million, that's about 115 million people on the low end with no retirement savings. Reading this book might help you avoid being in that statistic.

Bottom line, do not go into retirement blind and if you already find yourself in retirement but need thoughts and guidance on how to navigate your next phase of life to have the secure lifestyle that you want, this is a good book to pick up.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did it's best to try and simplify some complex financial instruments. Came away kind of afraid of the potential for getting taken regarding retirement fund growth and income generation.

[Gerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's now about 8 months later but can't remember that I particularly learned anything from this but it was the time and I thought why not?

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sorts out some of the financial issues that one needs to wrestle with leading up to and going into retirement.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add this to the list of books I wish I had read 5, 10 or 15 years ago. Maybe I would not have taken it seriously enough, or I would have thought I still had lots of time, but the message is clear - plan now and benefit later. Well written, logically presented and very useful, it answers questions I did not realize I should have been concerned about. I have been passing the retirement books I have been reading on to friends also in that stage. This one has too much info I will be returning to, so it will stay on my bookshelf a while longer.

[Mikeg53 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually read the AARP Retirement Survival Guide by Julie Jason (a 2009 edition not yet available in Goodreads index). This is an excellent overview of retirement financial planning, considerations, options and cautions in what's become an uncertain and potentially perilous economic future. She provides guidance regarding dealing with the many investment options being promoted by many marketers to "baby boomers with a financial target on their forehead." More financial knowledge pertaining to each alternative enables more precise analysis and better decisions as to their appropriateness to your personal financial position and goals.

[Patricrk patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be very careful and asks lots of questions before making investment decisions. If you can't explain what your investing in to someone else, then you don't know enough about it to be investing in it yourself. Resist pressure, there are crooks and idiots out there that will be happy to make you lose your money.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information, it's best read by persons in their 50s or earlier. Lots of good warnings...caveat emptor. Finding responsible people to trust to handle your hard earned $$ is primary.

[Joy · Rating 1 out of 5]

332.024 Jason OL. 2009. great. Roth IRA age 70 1/2 payout..

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably most helpful to those who are relatively near to retirement.