Book Description

In America, unlike anywhere else in the world, most people depend overwhelmingly on private health insurance and employee benefits. The astounding rise of this phenomenon from before World War II, however, has been largely overlooked. In this powerful history of the American reliance on employment-based benefits, Jennifer Klein examines the interwoven politics of social provision and labor relations from the 1910s to the 1960s. Through a narrative that connects the commercial life insurance industry, the politics of Social Security, organized labor's quest for economic security, and the evolution of modern health insurance, she shows how the firm-centered welfare system emerged. Moreover, the imperatives of industrial relations, Klein argues, shaped public and private social security.

Looking closely at unions and communities, Klein uncovers the wide range of alternative, community-based health plans that had begun to germinate in the 1930s and 1940s but that eventually succumbed to commercial health insurance and pensions. She also illuminates the contests to define "security"--job security, health security, and old age security--following World War II.

For All These Rights traces the fate of the New Deal emphasis on social entitlement as the private sector competed with and emulated Roosevelt's Social Security program. Through the story of struggles over health security and old age security, social rights and the welfare state, it traces the fate of New Deal liberalism--as a set of ideas about the state, security, and labor rights--in the 1950s, the 1960s, and beyond. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether people have planned for their "golden years" or haven't given them much thought, Ruth Hayden, nationally known educator and financial consultant, says that it is never too early or too late to control one's financial present or create a secure future.

The author notes that the perpetual vacation after age sixty-five will not be the retirement model for most people in the 21st century. She provokes the readers to think about what they really want for their lives—guiding them to create a personal life vision to bring balance to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial aspects of life.Ruth encourages the readers to take charge of their lives, developing a realistic plan for a successful, fulfilling retirement.

Ruth assists the reader to, "Start Where You Are—at age thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy or beyond to plan for the rest of your life." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Simplistic and repetitive
The advice in this book is not bad, but it is very simplistic and there is nothing new here. If you have listened to any program on retirement or read any recent magazine article on the topic, everthing here will be familiar. You can expect to live longer, work longer and should plan in a holistic way for your retirement to provide for financial, spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Other than advising diversification and spending less than you earn, Ruth offers no specific financial advice. The book is very short and repetitive and typographical errors are irritating. If you make the same mistake as I did and buy this text, you will be helping Ruth's retirement plan much more than your own. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Ok, I guess
This book was not what I expected.As a Canadian who has been living in the United States for almost 10 years, I was looking for advice on questions I have been thinking about recently.However, this book did not cover any subjects in enough depth for me, and simply told me things I already knew.Perhaps for basic cross-border information, the book would be helpful, but for someone in my situation it certainly was not.I have returned it.

An Extremely Valuable Reference Book!!
A long over-due book with absolutely invaluable info for Canadians looking to go state-side!!It answered all my questions and then some.It almost seemed as if Robert Keats knew what questions potential readers would ask!A detail-oriented, well thought out and very thorough piece of work.ANY dual citizen of the US/Canada or Canadian looking to invest or move to the US MUST get a copy of this book!!Don't do anything until you read this book first! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A well written book for beginners.
The author writes very well, but all too often the advice is a little thin. I liked his approach to handling money but for real practical advice I found another book more useful: "How To Invest $50 to $5,000" by Dunnan. However, both make excellent presents for young and/or inexperienced investors and savers.

Intelligent advice for thoughtful investors.
Lowell's writing voice is engaging, intelligent, and refreshingly free of finance jargon. This is a primer for people who have more on their minds than their mutual fund returns. One of the very few books of this genre I could actually relate to, as someone with a healthy skepticism towards the American dream of riches and retirement. Written uncondescendingly and with attention to the often ignored but important issues of investors' social responsibilities, and if it is in fact possible to do well and do good at the same time. One of the few books of this genre that doesn't alienate me.

okay..
I liked it, and it was helpful, except it wasn't geared to COMPLETE beginers who have had zero experience to investing... I would have liked there to be a section telling you exactly what all the numbers (like in a wall st. journal) mean, and how they relate to a company... The glossary was very thin... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Too many anecdotes, too few facts
This book would be better and a lot shorter if all the political polemics were removed.They get in the way of some good (but old) statistical info.If the authors want to send a message they should use Email or WesternUnion, if it hasn't been pensioned off.

Biased left wing view trying to promote panic
Right from the foreword that talks of "crisis" in American pensions we get nothing but whining.The authors see the Federal government as big Daddy who must put right every bad choice you make inyour life. Their examples of people who lost their pensions because theiremployers went bust never seem to have considered putting something asidefor a rainy day themselves.

wonderful and informative book
Finally, a pension and retirement income book by someone not trying to sell you anything!Karen Ferguson and Kate Blackwell have crafted a remarkable book that combines a thoughtful analysis of what ails the current retirement income system withsome "how to" advice on how to get your own retirement income and pension questions answered and disputes resolved.This is as it should be for, as a collective citizenry, we are appalling ignorant about the structure of retirement income in the United States. In the same way, it is rare to meet a person (of any level of education) who fully understands their own retirement income plan.We, as responsible citizens and as tomorrow's retirees, need to learn a whole lot more. This book is the place to start. ... Read more

Book Description

Even if you are not a millionaire yet, you can discover the financial secrets of one thousand millionaires directly from one of America's foremost financial experts.During a twenty-year study of America's richest people, J.M. Trippon, CPA has worked with hundreds of millionaires and interviewed more than a thousand of them to bring you practical advice you can use immediately.He has uncovered their most valuable secrets and techniques.These are the techniques that have helped millionaires become rich and stay rich even during turbulent times. Now, Jim Trippon offers his insights from decades of research and practical experience to readers of his groundbreaking new book. With the help of Jim Trippon, CPA, you can Stay Rich Forever. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

This book is fantastic!
This book taught me more about money than anything I have ever read in my 20 years of investing! It gave me a practical action plan for my money and my retirement which I have successfully implemented. I think it is a "must read" for anyone who wants to have money.

The author, Trippon, is a money manager and CPA for some of America's wealthiest people. Trippon's real gift to his readers is that he can explain complicated financial issues in terms that non-financial types, like me, can understand. It is very well written and well organized.

The book covers the techniques real millionaires use to build and hold onto their wealth. I would have paid anything to have had this information five years ago! The key to the book is what Trippon calls the "four pillars of wealth" that millionaires use "stay rich". The author goes through the specific habits and techniques millionaires use to:

1. Create and Grow Wealth
2. Protect and Preserve their Wealth
3. Legally pay the absolute minimum in taxes
4. Avoid the loss of your estate due illness and estate taxes

What I really love about this book is that unlike most money books I have read, Trippon's book is not about theory. It gives the reader specific action steps to follow and also provides interesting case studies of Trippon's millionaire clients. It seems to me that most financial books on the market are written by "self-proclaimed gurus" with no real financial experience. Trippon is the real deal. I also love the author's website where he has a free newsletter and gifts for his readers which he calls "graduates."

Trippon also "blows the whistle" on financial scams and rip offs that seem to be everywhere these days. He also tells the reader how to check on their stock broker's background for free with a government internet database, and how not get overcharged with commissions. I suspect Trippon will be getting "hate mail" from disgruntled stock brokers who do not want the rest of us to know their tricks.

Stay rich forever
This is the best,well written, comprehensive financial planning book that have been written in recent years. The book covers a wide range of practical topics and information that should be required reading to all age groups. For the young professional, just starting out, there is advise about how to accumulate wealth through unique approaches, disciplined savings and investments that anyone could follow easily.
For those who have already accomplished a great deal, the book offers almost limitless and useful strategies about how to keep the accumulated wealth. This is a difficult area as there are many ex-millioners who obviously did not receive the best advise during the recent recession.
The book should be required reading from cover to cover, and than kept in a easy to reach location for regular and frequent use as a reference sourse. The author promises to provide regular updates through an e-mailed newsletter to all those who purchased the book. Therefore this is a reference book that will not get dated, if the reader keeps in touch with the author who is a very successful financial planner and can be reached at www.Trippon.com.

Full of substance, not fluff!
Every page delivers something of substance, no filler like a lot of the other financial planning books out there. Jim presents case studies that dissect financial strategies of real millionaires to make Stay Rich Forever an invaluable resource - if you want to be successful, follow in the footsteps of successful people!

Well done, well written. Worth your time.

Back on Track Financially
What a great resource! I am getting my finances back on track by using these techniques. I bought Trippon's book after reading about it in the Midwest Book Review (a library book review service)which gave this book a 5 star rating.

I learned more about money in the first hour with this book than in four years in college. It saved me a fortune on my Will by teaching me what questions to ask a lawyer up front. Trippon is a CPA who advises some of America's wealthiest families and he clearly knows his stuff. He exposes how to avoid getting ripped off by investment scams and how to check your investment advisors background.

My advice is if you want to get ahead financially...read this book!

Mistake ridden book
This book is one of the most mistake-riddled books I have read. The number of mistakes is only worse than the information given in the book. If you are serious about retirement planning you would be better served to reak something by J.K. Lasser. I have reluctantly given my copy of this book to Goodwill and hope that noone is misled by the advice in the book. ... Read more

Book Description

This book explains reverse mortgages - "the most popular cash-raising tool for senior homeowners" (The Washington Post). It shows how these new financial products work, how to compare them, where to find them, what to ask, and what look out for. It also provides a variety of information sources for reverse mortgage shoppers, including related alternatives. This book is for homeowners who are retired or planning to retire. Also of interest to attorneys, financial planners, and adult children of aging parents. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent! Great intro to reverse mortgages.
Reverse mortgages allow senior citizens to continue living in their home, while generating a significant amount of cash for living expenses. Author Ken Scholen has put his considerable expertise on reverse mortgages into this basic guide. Whether you're thinking about a reverse mortgage for yourself or for a parent, learn about your options from this objective source, before you hear a banker's sales pitch. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Less is more
this little book taught me in a few hours all hat i needed to know in order to draft my first pension related actuarial report. clear concise and to the point. ... Read more

Book Description

You don't have to retire rich to have a rich retirement!

Ny Times Best Selling Author, "Mr. Info", Matthew Lesko reveals how to live the life you've always wanted,even if you'd like to retire, are retired, never want to retire, or even go for a new career, at any age! For years you've been working hard and paying taxes. Isn't it time you find out about all the programs Uncle Sam has for you to start getting your tax money back? Start Enjoying! ... Read more

Book Description

For those looking for accessible assistance in using and understanding Social Security benefits, attorney and former Social Security claims representative Stanley Tomkiel cuts through some of the more complex issues and explains the benefits in a clear and concise manner.

Included in this new edition are changes in the disability benefits schedule, explanation of the criteria used for working after retirement and still being able to collect Social Security benefits and example situations for easy understanding of complex regulations. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Review ofThe Social Security Benefits Handbook
I found this book not to be a good investment.It is an extraction of certain SSA publications, all available in user-friendly format at the official SSA website.The major drawback is that the tables of values for benefits and earnings limits stop at the year 2002.The edition I received in January, 2003 is the third edition dated May, 2002.While the content is current to 2002 and the SSA regulations may not have changed substantially, it is not helpful for referencing 2003 numbers and beyond.

Good Reference on Basic Law and Procedures
Tomkiel has written a good reference for non-lawyers on the basics of Social Security law and how it is administered. It goes into some detail, so if you are looking for something light and breezy, it may be a bit much. But if you want to know what benefits are available, who is eligible for them, and how they are calculated, this book will fill the bill nicely.

Try Common Cents
Very helpful if you are looking for a simple guide to benefits, but if you want more commentary on issues, books recommended by socialsecurity.org might be more informative.

Inquiring Mind Need Some Answers
Yes i'm writing to get some info on how can i get ssi for my daughter,her father is deceased and has been since my daughter was 3 months old she's 11 now and her grandfater is also deceased,(all my info can be proved) isthere a way i can find out how my daughter can get her grandfathers checkcause he had no one to leave it to far as a wife or anyother livingparty.He did work. On the other hand her (natural father) had no employmentlong enough to get anything cause he died of natural causes.Please help ifyou can or give me some kind of direction cause i know it has to be somekind of way. Thank You.

Boring
Sakes alive, I was bored out of my skull.I don't know what I was thinking when I bought this book.I only got through the first chapter or two before my brain started going numb.I'm just 40, so what do I careanyhow.Man, what a waste of $20.Save yourself the pain if you are ayoungster like me, and wait and see what transpires over the next decade asthe debacle over social security unfolds. ... Read more

Book Description

Living off savings is much different than living from paycheck to paycheck. It requires a very different kind of budget and a very different financial plan. Don’t be caught off guard when you make the switch because financial errors at this time can be very costly.

Finances After 55 is a book for people who are already retired or who will be retiring in the next decade. This is not a "retire rich" investment book. It's a practical guide that shows you how to take what you already have saved and manage your money and assets to live a full and successful retired life.

When you retire (if you haven't already), you will need a financial plan that takes into account your changing needs. And you'll need a lot more than just a budget. The plan should include a will, estate plan, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, insurance, and an end-of-life plan. Finances After 55 shows you how to get all your personal finance and business matters in order.

With the sound financial planning and budgeting outlined in this book, you can make a successful transition from life with a paycheck, to a life with savings. ... Read more

Book Description

The Employer's Handbook to 401(k) Savings Plans is a must-have resource for any company that is considering implementing, or is already sponsoring, an employee benefits plan. Author Christian D. Rahaim expertly guides employers through the challenging, ever-changing, and heavily scrutinized processes involved with employee benefits and compensation.

Employee participation in 401(k) plans now exceeds eighty percent, making this approachable guide more invaluable than ever before. Rahaim covers the three major components of offering a 401(k) savings plan: preparation, implementation, and maintenance. Rahaim walks employers through the plan-selection process, which involves careful research, analysis, and, most importantly, the assistance of outside experts. He continues with advice on putting the plan into practice, investing 401(k) monies, understanding fiduciary responsibilities, and improving communications. The Employers' Handbook to 401(k) Savings Plans also includes a thorough discussion of recent laws, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Economic Growth and the Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTTRA).

Comprehensive but easily understood, The Employers' Handbook to 401(k) Savings Plans is the only source employers, fiduciaries, advisors, and administrators need to remain informed and updated on the increasingly controversial, legislated, and litigated topic.

Book Description

The New Gold Rush - Real Estate provides both a tactical and psychological roadmap to achieving financial independence and abundance. It tackles head-on the four requirements to achieving any level of success in business or finance; having an empowering psychology, a detailed and proven plan, learning how to fund the capital project, and how to leverage your time to see the plan through. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Solid Advice for Real Estate Investors
This book has some solid advice with regard to some real estate investment methods I was not aware of.I'm in the process of aquiring several investment properties, and I've used this book as a resource. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Can't Judge a Book by its Publisher
I am responding to the previous reviewer's disappointment with the book, given that it was published by Oxford U. The days when we could count of the big name university presses to publish only the finest are, sadly, past. It is frustrating not to have the reliable benchmarks. Word processing, the automated printing and publishing process, and the general decline of academic standards - whatever the reasons, we are being swamped with second and third rate monographs from all quarters.

A Disappointment
These authors published two informative articles about TIAA-CREF in a professional journal in 1997 and 1998. Although the articles were intended for estate planners, they can be understood by a lay person who reads them carefully. I expected this book to present the substance of the articles in a more accessible way. It does not. Apart from the section on estate planning, it contains little information not obtainable directly from TIAA-CREF. It shows signs of having been written with haste. It is poorly edited (surprising for Oxford University Press) and is in places inconsistent and unclear. The book is a disappointment. ... Read more

Book Description

More and more older adults are seeking alternatives to their present living arrangements. Retirement communities and assisted living complexes are options that offer the privacy and support to help you, the older adult, remain independent for as long as possible. Choices describes the process of moving. It is based on the experiences of older adults who have successfully relocated.

As you mature, your needs will change. You eventually may decide to free yourself from the responsibilities and upkeep of your home and demanding lifestyle. Choices helps you weigh your options and plan for your future. ... Read more

Book Description

The incredible economic growth of the past few years may have made scores of new millionaires and plenty of people rich, but it hasn't made managing your personal and business finances any easier.

In fact, most of the old rules and principles have proved ill suited to this new world. What's needed is a user's guide to the new economy -- a handbook for everyone looking to succeed in this new, fast-paced environment.

In this single, highly unconventional financial reference volume, America's most trusted financial consultant and author of the bestselling Die Broke and Live Rich takes an aggressive approach to the new economy and tells you everything you need to know about money.

The Die Broke Complete Book of Money is the definitive guide to modern money management. The man famous for turning conventional wisdom on its head expounds on the new rules for the new millennium with opinionated, hard-hitting, and informative entries on everything from accessory apartments to zero-coupon bonds.

Pollan's clients are grappling with today's financial challenges -- and his advice is battle tested in the real world. Putting the old rules aside, he sees the worlds of consumerism, career, business, and personal finance as being inseparable -- money has to be considered as a whole unit rather than as different elements. And because he's a practicing financial adviser who deals with real people, he knows financial decisions shouldn't be made in a vacuum: emotions, feelings, and attitudes must come into play. By explaining what you should do and how you should do it, Pollan offers advice grounded in a hands-on, real-world approach that is easy to understand and simple to follow.

Savvy, sophisticated, and succinct, this incisive and engaging book is filled with offbeat, practical advice that stems from Pollan's unconventional strategies. It is an indispensable guide to money for anyone who plans on succeeding in the new economy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Author is a bit cocky but very Knowledgeable
A good reference book on many topics regarding personal finance, networking, career advancement and living happy

Worth reading!
I have read half a dozen books on Estate Planning and this one makes more sense than all of them. This is more of a "why to" book rather than a "how to" book but if you want to avoid: probate, contested wills, arbitrary waiting periods, expensive trusts and siblings who squabble over who is to get what upon your death then read this book.

I don't agree with everything the author proposes but the concept of giving away assets now while you are alive beats anything that the "death industry" offers.

Good read
Good, but a lot of reading with some material not useful. ... Read more

Book Description