The New Retirement

May 17, 2004
The 80 million baby boomers due to retire over the next couple of decades face a daunting array of options and decisions related to work, money, health care, lifestyle and more, according to Cullinane and Fitzgerald. The authors, who hold retirement-planning seminars, offer a comprehensive guide to navigating this complex maze. An appealing aspect is the inclusion of the stories of real people who have made certain choices, from starting a business later in life to moving to a new community or traveling overseas. This is a user-friendly handbook featuring numerous checklists (Independent Living, Relocation, etc.), source lists ( such as Best Employers for People Over 50, Discount Travel Sites) and reference material. A generous portion of the book evaluates specific retirement destinations both in the U.S. and overseas. Each state is given a report card according to relevant stats including climate, cost of living, health care, transportation and leisure. While this information is available elsewhere, the authors provide excellent descriptions of the locales, along with both pros and cons to living in each. The finance section covers insurance, investing, Social Security and other topics, but is essentially an overview of these subjects. Readers just starting to consider what changes they want to make when they "retire" and those contemplating relocation or lifestyle changes will find the bulk of the book quite helpful.