"The 5 Years Before You Retire, Updated Edition: Retirement Planning When You Need It the Most" by Emily Guy Birken is a well-written and informative book on retirement planning. The book is designed to help people who are nearing retirement age to plan for their future.
One of the strengths of the book is its practical approach to retirement planning. The author provides readers with step-by-step guidance on how to develop a retirement plan that suits their individual needs. The book covers a wide range of topics, including Social Security benefits, pension plans, retirement savings, and healthcare costs.
Another strength of the book is its readability. The author uses clear and concise language that is easy to understand, even for readers who have no prior experience with retirement planning. The book also includes helpful examples and case studies that illustrate the concepts discussed in each chapter.
One minor weakness of the book is that it may not be comprehensive enough for readers who are looking for more in-depth information on specific retirement planning topics. However, this is understandable given the book's focus on providing practical advice for those who are nearing retirement age.
There are several reasons why you should consider reading "The 5 Years Before You Retire, Updated Edition: Retirement Planning When You Need It the Most" by Emily Guy Birken:
Practical guidance: The book provides practical guidance on how to develop a retirement plan that suits your individual needs. The step-by-step approach helps you to break down the process into manageable steps and gives you the tools to make informed decisions.
Comprehensive coverage: The book covers a wide range of topics related to retirement planning, including Social Security benefits, pension plans, retirement savings, and healthcare costs. This comprehensive coverage ensures that you have a good understanding of all the important factors that will impact your retirement.
Readability: The author uses clear and concise language that is easy to understand, even if you have no prior experience with retirement planning. The book is well-organized, making it easy to navigate and reference.
Real-life examples: The book includes real-life examples and case studies that illustrate the concepts discussed in each chapter. These examples help to make the advice more tangible and relevant to your own retirement planning needs.
Updated information: The updated edition of the book includes the latest information on retirement planning and takes into account recent changes in the economy and government policies that may impact your retirement planning.
While "The 5 Years Before You Retire, Updated Edition: Retirement Planning When You Need It the Most" has generally received positive reviews, there are some criticisms that people have expressed. Some of these criticisms include:
Not comprehensive enough: Some readers have felt that the book does not cover certain retirement planning topics in enough depth. They feel that the book is more of an overview and that they need more detailed information on specific topics.
Repetitive: Some readers have felt that the book is repetitive, with the author covering the same information in multiple chapters. This can make the book feel unnecessarily long and repetitive.
Too basic: Some readers have felt that the book is too basic and does not provide enough advanced strategies or insights. They feel that the book is more geared towards beginners and may not be as useful for those who already have some retirement planning knowledge.
Emphasis on traditional retirement: Some readers have felt that the book is too focused on traditional retirement planning, which may not be relevant to everyone. For example, the book may not provide enough guidance for those who plan to work past retirement age or who have unconventional retirement plans.
It's important to note that these criticisms are subjective, and different readers may have different opinions on the book. Overall, while there may be some valid criticisms of the book, it still provides valuable information and guidance for those who are looking to plan for their retirement.
Overall, "The 5 Years Before You Retire, Updated Edition: Retirement Planning When You Need It the Most" is an excellent resource for anyone who is approaching retirement age and wants to develop a solid retirement plan. The book is well-written, informative, and easy to read, making it a valuable addition to any retirement planning library.
