Retirement Planning
February 21, 2024

10 Wealth Management Books That May Help You Retire

Stewart Willis
PRESIDENT & HIGH NET WORTH ADVISOR

Retirement planning can be challenging, especially for those nearing retirement age. Thankfully, there is no shortage of wealth management books to help guide you in planning for this stage of your life.

Whether you're a seasoned investor or just considering your financial future, these books can offer guidance and practical advice. These are some of the best financial books that provide valuable information on wealth management for retirement.

1. “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey

The Total Money Makeover presents a no-nonsense, potent strategy for managing personal finances. It underscores the importance of wiping out debt, budgeting wisely, and smart investing as crucial steps toward amassing wealth.

Ramsey's "baby steps" in this wealth management book provide a well-organized roadmap to attain financial security and prepare for retirement.

2. “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

In this classic wealth management book, the authors take us on a fascinating journey through the lives of those who have amassed great fortunes—sometimes in the most unexpected ways. Exploring their behaviors, lifestyle choices, and financial strategies provides valuable insights that can be applied to retirement planning and long-term wealth building.

3: “The Index Card: Why Personal Finance Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated” by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack

This personal finance book's concept is refreshingly straightforward: all essential personal finance knowledge can be condensed onto an index card.

The authors elaborate on this idea, offering unambiguous, succinct, and helpful advice on subjects. Key topics include savings, investments, debt repayment, and intelligent financial decision-making. The book's clear-cut guidelines are designed to assist people in handling their money wisely, accumulating wealth gradually, and paving the way for a financially stable retirement.

4. “Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez

This is one of the best books on building wealth. It pushes readers to introspect about their money habits, aligning them with their values and guiding them toward financial freedom.

The 9-step program outlined in this wealth management book helps readers monitor their expenses, minimize debt, save more effectively, and invest wisely. The ultimate goal is to achieve financial independence — a state where earning money is no longer obligatory but optional. This strategy is beneficial for those who are planning for retirement.

5. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham

This wealth management book is considered a must-read for anyone interested in navigating the stock market with a long-term perspective. With in-depth analysis and comprehensive strategies, it is regarded as one of the best books on money and investing.

Senior woman sitting down and reading a book

It offers valuable insights into building a resilient portfolio that aims for steady growth over time. Graham's principles of value investing provide a solid foundation, ensuring your investments are well-diversified and positioned for success.

6. “The Simple Path to Wealth” by J.L. Collins

This personal finance book stemmed from a series of letters the author wrote to his daughter to teach financial skills. After realizing many people are under the misconception that understanding finance is difficult, he wanted to simplify concepts.

Collins breaks down complex investment concepts into easily understandable advice. This work is especially suitable for individuals seeking a simple yet compelling approach to investing that can yield long-term financial success.

7. “Retire Inspired” by Chris Hogan

In this insightful financial planning book, Hogan empowers you with actionable steps that can turn your retirement dreams into a tangible reality. With his expertise and years of experience, Hogan offers practical advice and dives deep into the intricacies of saving, investing, and managing money.

Through his strategies, Hogan equips you with the necessary tools to build a comfortable retirement that exceeds your expectations. From budgeting techniques to investment strategies, this book leaves no stone unturned to support financial stability during your golden years.

8. “How to Make Your Money Last” by Jane Bryant Quinn

Quinn's book is a must-have for anyone looking to stretch their retirement savings to the fullest. With its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of financial planning, this is one of the best finance books because it covers so many topics.

From strategies on withdrawing funds to making smart choices with Social Security and pensions, Quinn provides valuable insights to help readers navigate retirement finance's complexities. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your retirement journey, this book has practical tips and advice to save you time, money, and stress.

9. “The Bogleheads' Guide to Retirement Planning” by Taylor Larimore, Mel Lindauer, Richard A. Ferri, and Laura F. Dogu

This remarkable financial planning book draws inspiration from the investment philosophy of the legendary John C. Bogle, the founder of Vanguard. This comprehensive guide covers everything from essential aspects such as saving and investing to more intricate subjects like tax considerations and estate planning.

You will gain insights, practical advice, and expert perspectives that provide clarity on complex retirement planning matters. It offers guidance rooted in the wisdom of John C. Bogle's investment philosophy while incorporating diverse viewpoints from passionate members of the Bogleheads community.

10. “The Five Years Before You Retire” by Emily Guy Birken

This insightful book is a trustworthy guide to navigating the critical final years leading to retirement. It goes beyond just scratching the surface and dives deep into various aspects essential for a well-prepared transition into this new chapter of life.

You’ll learn about comprehensive financial planning, including strategies to maximize savings and investments, healthcare options, and how to make informed decisions about Social Security benefits.

It also delves into lifestyle choices that can contribute to a fulfilling retirement, offering valuable insights on how readers can earn the most out of their newfound freedom. With its holistic approach and practical advice, this book equips readers with the tools they need for a smooth journey toward retirement bliss.

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Planning for your financial future can be overwhelming, especially when you consider all the different aspects that need to be taken into account.

Our team of experienced financial advisors understands the importance of a holistic approach when it comes to your finances. We work with you to develop a strategy that aligns with your retirement goals and supports the lifestyle you desire during your golden years.

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Stewart Willis is the founder and president of Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax, a financial planning firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Investment advisory services offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

The commentary on this blog reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the author, Stewart Willis, providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC (“Foundations”), an SEC registered investment adviser or performance returns of any Foundations client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal or tax advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Personal investment advice can only be rendered after the engagement of Foundations for services, execution of required documentation, including receipt of required disclosures. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Foundations manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Any statistical data or information obtained from or prepared by third party sources that Foundations deems reliable but in no way does Foundations guarantee the accuracy or completeness. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any past performance is no guarantee of future results. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Foundations and its advisors are properly licensed or exempted. For more information, please go to https://adviserinfo.sec.gov and search by our firm name or by our CRD # 175083.

Alternative/Private investments are often complex,  speculative and illiquid investment vehicles that are not suitable for all investors and are typically only available to accredited investors who meet certain minimum financial requirements.  Alternative Investments often engage in leverage and other investment practices that are extremely speculative and involve a high degree of risk. Such practices may increase the volatility of performance and the risk of investment loss, including the loss of the entire amount that is invested.  They are, therefore, intended for experienced and sophisticated long-term investors  who also have the financial wherewithal to accept such risks.

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