Author Description

Packed with expert advice and up-to-date information, How to Plan for a Secure Retirement is designed to help you make the most of your retirement - regardless of your age, income, assets, or personal circumstances. A comprehensive reference source and practical adviser, How to Plan for a Secure Retirement takes you step-by-step through each of the four major categories of retirement planning: income, health care, housing, and estate planning. Younger readers will find hands-on support in getting started and building a retirement nest egg. Older readers will learn how to tap the equity in their homes, avoid redundant health insurance policies, and set up trusts. All readers will benefit from savings and investment strategies, tax tips, cautions to keep in mind when investing, and pointers on coping with inflation. Featuring charts, listings of government agencies and pertinent organizations, plus convenient, easy-to-use worksheets, How to Plan for a Secure Retirement covers pension plans, including IRAs, Keoghs, and 401(k) plans; Social Security; annuities; life insurance; Medicare, Medicaid, and supplementary health insurance; and continuing-care communities. It offers practical suggestions on how to maximize housing tax breaks and minimize estate taxes. In addition, it discusses such critical issues as early retirement, catastrophic health insurance, choosing the best investments, making a living will, converting savings into a steady income stream, selecting a legal or professional financial adviser, and appointing an executor. Whether you are in mid-career, approaching retirement, or already retired, How to Plan for a Secure Retirement can be a prudent investment - one that will pay dividends many times over in enhancing your life after work and ensuring your peace of mind.