For many people, retirement represents crossing the finish line, the culmination of a long career. Yet in reality, retirement is not so much an ending as it is a beginning-the beginning of a stage that requires careful planning and consideration beyond financial concerns. If you think getting ready for retirement simply involves saving enough money, perhaps it's time to reconsider and let The Art of Retiring Whole open your eyes to the wide range of issues faced by retirees today. Improvements in health care mean that many folks live another twenty or thirty years after retirement. So beyond the month-long cruise that you're planning, how will you meaningfully fill your days? Financial advisor and retirement expert Ryan S. Kidd will help you navigate this question and others, guiding you through the process of assessing your "retirement readiness" and helping you make sure you've adequately planned for the non-financial aspects of your future. So whether you're a few months or several years away from the golden years of retirement, decide to prepare for a future in which you're not only financially secure but also wonderfully fulfilled in your relationships, community involvement, and personal identity.

What is your definition of a fulfilling life and how does an enjoyable retirement fit into that vision? Life is short; we have a limited time to choose our path, reach or dreams and goals and make our lives gratifying and our legacy everlasting.I wrote The Art of Retirement to serve as a guide; a book to help you with your life's journey by educating and inspiring you to make the most of your time on this planet or as Ronnie Lott would say, "Exhaust life." Retirement planning is much more than making sure you have enough money. Of course this is important and thoroughly discussed; certainly the security and lifestyle that money provides is a key part of your life. However, the financial aspect of planning your retirement is just part of the picture.Life is like art in many respects. It is unique to each one of us. It has the opportunity to be great as well as the potential for less-then-desired results. Like a sculpture, it can be molded and changed. Or like a painter standing in front of a blank canvas, the future is limited only by creativity and resources--whether that is money or the number of colors available for your palette.In keeping with the art metaphor, I have woven the story of Michelangelo's life and art into The Art of Retirement to help you create your own life's masterpiece. As you read this book and begin the process of creating your masterpiece, you will:* Gain perspective on what you value. I will share the story of my dear friend and former NFL player, O.J. Brigance, and his battle with ALS to help you gain perspective and appreciate even with adversity (i.e. poor health, poor investment performance, unable to save enough, etc.) you can still strive to achieve the most rewarding life given your circumstances.* Understand how your emotions (and decisions) can be impacted by our 24/7 access to financial news through broadcast media, print media, and the Internet. Being armed with knowledge of behavioral finance will allow you to avoid costly mistakes due to how our brain deals with money and financial issues.* Be inspired by real-life stories of people: o Who turned hobbies into second careers o Who used the skill set they learned in the business world to improve a non-profit organization o Who used their unique skills from their occupation (i.e., eye doctor) to help those less fortunate around the world* Learn the difference between planning retirement haphazardly without a plan, using rules-of-thumb, or using financial planning software to analyze retirement needs to compare to your resources.* How to accurately determine your risk tolerance and capacity, the most important and first step to building an investment portfolio.* Gain perspective of how investments behave while understanding current and potential future economic trends that may affect the traditional approaches of investment management.* Learn when active vs. passive management may be the best investment solution and how to implement alternative investments, such as hedge funds and private equity, to potentially minimize risk through diversification while increasing investment performance.* Introspectively look at your life to determine if you have the time, training and temperament to manage your own investments and plan for your retirement.* Appreciate the differences among the multitude of advisors and how to select a competent one that can become your trusted partner.Through the lens of both my personal life and experiences--raised by my father and growing up in a blue collar, welfare-dependent home--and through my occupation as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) practitioner, I will share my experience and knowledge to help you enjoy a beautiful life and create a legacy that stands the test of time--a Masterpiece!

Introducing "The Art of Retiring Gracefully" – your comprehensive guide to navigating the golden years with confidence, joy, and purpose. Dive into a wealth of practical advice, insightful strategies, and inspiring stories that will empower you to embrace this exciting new chapter of life. **Chapter 1 sets the stage**, debunking myths and guiding you through the emotional journey of retirement. **Chapter 2 tackles financial readiness**, offering tips on assessing your financial health, creating a budget, and devising effective investment strategies. Staying healthy is key, and **Chapter 3** focuses on maintaining physical and mental wellness. From understanding Medicare to planning long-term care, **Chapter 11** ensures you're well-prepared to manage your healthcare and insurance needs. Establishing and nurturing relationships is crucial. **Chapter 4** is dedicated to building a robust support network with family and friends. Discover how to maintain meaningful connections and find new social circles that enrich your life. Uncover your passions in **Chapter 5**, as you explore volunteering, hobbies, and other fulfilling activities. Then, smoothly transition from work to leisure with advice from **Chapter 6** on balancing your time and productivity. Creating a new routine post-retirement can be challenging, but **Chapter 7** offers a blueprint for establishing daily habits, setting goals, and incorporating flexibility. Dream of traveling? **Chapter 8** provides tips for planning affordable trips and exploring new cultures. Never stop learning with **Chapter 9's** focus on lifelong education and fun learning opportunities. Simplify your living space and lifestyle in **Chapter 10**, creating a clutter-free and stress-free environment. Embrace technology in **Chapter 14** to stay digitally connected and safe. **Chapter 12** prepares you emotionally for retirement's shifts, helping you build resilience and combat loneliness. Learn from case studies and success stories in **Chapter 15**, and explore spirituality and reflection in **Chapter 16**. **Chapter 17** equips you to handle unexpected challenges, while **Chapter 18** encourages cultivating gratitude and joy. Finally, **Chapter 19** helps you design a meaningful and intentional retirement, harnessing creativity to live a fulfilling life. "The Art of Retiring Gracefully" is your essential companion for a vibrant, purposeful, and joyous retirement. Embrace the journey and redefine your golden years!

As you think about retirement, you’ve got facts to face, planning to do, decisions to make and numbers to crunch. With the experts at The Wall Street Journal to guide you, you’ll learn how to tailor a financial plan for the lifestyle you want. • Answers your biggest question—How big does my nest egg need to be?—by linking it to your particular hopes for how you want to spend your days in retirement • Shows how to translate your dreams and interests into daily activities, whether traveling, opening a business, volunteering or going back to school • Provides a timeline for decisions to make and steps to take ten years, five years and one year before you retire • Offers tips on investing wisely and working with the right financial adviser • Tells you how to maximize your benefits from Social Security and Medicare • Guides you through the intricacies of 401(k)s, IRAs, annuities and other financial tools and resources Today, the average person can expect to spend two decades in retirement—why leave it to chance? For all of its changes and challenges, a well-planned retirement could very well be the best part of your life.

"What does 'job optional' mean to you? Living a life full of purpose at any age; having the choice to never work again; gaining financial confidence; being able to pursue a second career or new passion--you choose; knowing your family is burden free; giving meaning and purpose to your life savings; sleeping in, playing golf, or whatever you choose to do that day"--Jacket

Professionally, you're experiencing the success that years of hard work brings -- but the long hours are taking their toll and you're burning out fast. Fortunately, there's an alternative to the grind: Early semi-retirement. Work fewer hours, realize your goals and dreams, spend time with your loved ones -- and do it all years, even decades, before the "normal" retirement age of 65.With Work Less, Live More and a little planning, you can do it. The book provides a rational investment system based on Nobel Prize-winning research, a safe lifelong withdrawal plan and sensible spending guidelines. More importantly, the book provides inspiring stories and insights of many successful early semi-retirees, walking proof that meaningful work -- rather than full-time work -- is both fulfilling and rewarding.The author, who achieved semi-retirement at age 42, shows how to make it work, step by step and in plain English. The 2nd edition addresses health care issues and focuses on readers of any age, especially “late bloomers” who may feel they're way behind.

Follow the advice in The Smartest Retirement Book You'll Ever Read and you will: Find simple strategies to maximize your retirement nest egg Steer clear of scams that rob you of your hard-earned savings Ensure that your money lasts longer than you do Avoid the common mistakes that can leave your spouse impoverished Discover financial lifelines no matter how desperate the economy "If you want a handy guide that provides information in small chunks, Solin's book is it." -Newark Star-Ledger