Book Review: Work Less, Live More

The subtitle of this book is, “The Way to Semi-Retirement” although I read an earlier edition which was subtitled, “The New Way to Retire Early.” From reading the editorial reviews it appears the second edition contains more information for late bloomers and more about health care but is otherwise the same.

This book deals a lot with the psychological side or retiring early as well as the financial aspects of early retirement. The author has advice on living below your means, putting your investing on autopilot, how to take 4% forever, and stop worrying about taxes. This is mostly standard personal financial advice with a few small twists but it is good advice and helpful for those who don’t already know it.

The chapters that focus on the psychological aspect of retiring early will probably be more beneficial for those who are already knowledgeable about personal finance. Chapter titles include, figuring out why you want to retire early, do anything you want but do something, don’t blow it, and make your life matter. That gives you a pretty good idea of the subjects covered.

Personally I didn’t find this book all that helpful but that might be because I was already have the early retirement mindset and am knowledgeable about the personal finance topics covered. Judging from the reviews many people have found this book very helpful to their early retirement planning. If you are looking for a “how-to” type of early retirement book than this is probably not the book for you. However, if you are looking for a “why” and “what” type of early retirement book than this book is probably what you are looking for.

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Building a Retirement Nest Egg

by Andy Hough on June 21, 2010

The following is a guest post.

For many young adults, planning for retirement is something that is not necessarily in the forefront of things. In fact, a large number of these individuals tend to take this for granted with the belief that there will always be time for this later on in life. Reports show that three-fourths of the 600 eighteen to thirty-four year respondents surveyed in 2008 were in debt. Today, this number is still alarmingly large, add to this the downturned economy in the past few years.

There are many reasons why many people put aside planning for their retirement. For one, they are limited by present day realities, such as paying off student loans. At this age, one also tries to make good investments for the future, such as buying a home and various properties. Another reason, perhaps a somewhat inexcusable reason for getting in debt, is the spend-thrifty attitude many of us have, especially when it comes to making unnecessary upgrades of technology.

While the mindset

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Book Giveaway Winner

by Andy Hough on June 18, 2010

The random winner of the book, Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

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New Thesis Theme Installed

by Andy Hough on June 15, 2010

There were some quirks in the old theme such as the comments link not showing up until after someone left a comment. Since I already useThe Thesis Theme for WordPress on my other blogs I decided to install it here as well. I still have a lot of customization to do but the site looks basically like it will in its final form. If you find any bugs in the new theme or have an opinion of how it should be customized let me know. And don’t forget the book giveaway. There are only two entrants as of this writing so you have a great chance of winning. To enter just leave a comment on the giveaway post.

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Social Security Reform Ideas

by Staff Writer on June 17, 2010

When it comes to the Social Security system, the only absolute facts are that changes must be made to keep it solvent. With the arrival of retirement age for the baby boom generation, the system will have two workers for every retiree by 2030; currently there are 3.2 workers per retiree paying into the system. With the well running dry, there are many ideas about how to fix the problem, and everyone has a strong opinion. There are three basic schools of thought, though with many variations as to how to accomplish each goal.

Raising Taxes

A highly unpopular option with cash-strapped Americans, raising taxes would fill the coffers. Discussions about raising taxes usually center on which taxes can be raised, and for which segment of the population. Raising payroll taxes is the worst case scenario, and instead deliberations have centered on eliminating loopholes in the tax code for wealthy Americans, and the possibility of reinstating estate taxes while earmarking the money for Social Security.
There is an additional element to these negotiations. Though hotly debated around the country, some point out that legalizing immigration could give the government the needed taxes to

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Building a Legacy of Good Works at Wesley Homes

Lisa Meinecke joined Wesley Homes as the new Resident Services Director on May 18, 2010. She brings with her 18 years experience as a Director of Social Services in the continuing care retirement industry.  Meinecke grew up in West Seattle and lives with her husband and two children in Fife Heights.

When she interviewed for the position she was truly amazed by the residents and the vibrant community. 

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Book Giveaway: Why are We So Clueless About the Stock Market?

This week’s book giveaway is for the book, Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

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