Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years

Keys to a Successful Retirement delivers as promised, and it was just what I was looking for. I already had a lot of advice (and books) on the financial aspects of retiring. What I wanted and needed was a book to help me plan for life itself — the "rubber hits the road" living. Author Fritz Gilbert does touch on finances (although his real numbers blew my own reality away, I could still apply the equations to my situation). But more importantly, he covers the importance of purpose in one's life. As someone who has made her business very much a major purpose, I need that sort of insight. His all-important "Chapter 5," which he also admits throughout the book is the most important chapter of all, helps get you ready for that part of retirement. He emphasizes planning, and as I've bought this book three years before my own retirement, it appears to be falling right in line. He writes extremely well. The book is easy to read and easy to understand, without being boring. And as a professional writer/editor and designer, I'm extremely appreciative that he not only writes well, but took the time to apply good design to the book (most readers don't realize just how important that is to the one's enjoyment of the book and its readability). All and all, I'm very pleased with the book, and I can see myself referring to it, and to the author's online blog, again and again as retirement approaches. Thank you, Fritz!

The book is concise and short - I bought it because I am a fan of the blog. despite reading his blog, I feel the book is a good supplement because it is all in one place, is a quick read and offers insights without hopping between articles. Also - I think it's fairly priced for the content Fritz provides, so I would consider it a 'safe' buy in the arena of retirement books. If you are looking for a book on how to calculate discounted cash flows or how to figure out your 'magic retirement number', there are other books out there for you. This is instead a great look at a personal journey in the few years leading up to retirement and the revelations afterward with a number of warnings about potential retirement blind spots.

I'm Enjoying this book except for the chapter on finances ( just because if you haven't prepared really well for retirement financially, it will just make you feel bad). I bought one for my sister also because it is very well written and full of thought provoking ideas.

I recently bought several books. I finished this one first.I found myself wanting to read more.Thanks a lot.

This book shares great insights for those even thinking about retirement. It doesn't just focus on the financial aspect, but also the social aspect. And there's more! Definitely a book for pre-retirement. I give it to my friends when they turn 50!

As a 2019 mid-50s retiree (structured career escapee) I greatly appreciate Fritz's perspective. He writes clearly and concisely, sharing his knowledge and insights as his personal journey continues.I enjoyed his book over the course of one relaxing Saturday and recommend it for those transitioning from a 30+ year career to the freedom that lies thereafter.Simply put, Fritz relates his approach to managing health, wealth and time. It is of course easier said than done, and everybody must find their own unique way to leave the rat race behind for a meaningful, significant and enjoyable post-career existence.

This book is very general in nature, as in superficial. Author advises “ if you are bored, that is on you”. Like Do Something! Like that old saying “You are limited only by your imagination”. Well, that can be pretty limiting. Book does not address issues of age differences in spouses (one is retired, an done is still working) nor how retirement activities would drastically vary with the seasons. Also, author does not address how your energy levels change in your late 60s and 70 s...it’s not the same as when you are 55. With age and exercise, more sleep and recovery time is needed. Also does not address the loss of friends and need to sometimes go do things on your own. New friendships not only take time...they may not appear. That said! You can still glean a few good tips from this book. Like make a list of what you’d like to do, and make yourself pursue it. Sometimes that goal is to try the best scone in town, with a cup of good coffee. sometimes the goal is to climb the Smoky Mountains.

Helpful framework and tips.. which I found though provoking … seems retirement t takes work like anything else to be successful

I retired one year ago at 60. This is a great book. It’s very well written. It really captures the “feeling” of the first months of retirement and just before. This is the book on retirement I come back to all the time. I could say it’s a holistic approach to retirement because it covers all aspects of it. It covers the financial aspects as well. I don’t write reviews very often but I had to take the time to do it for this book. It's a very personal book where the author shares his life before and after his retirement. He even relates the day of his retirement and the days and weeks that followed. It’s like you were there to witness these events happening. Thanks Fritz Gilbert for taking the time to write and share this great book. I’m grateful to you.

Ce livre est positif et joyeux. J'ai eu beaucoup de plaisir à le lire. Beaucoup de conseils de bon sens mais présentés sous un angle intéressant. La partie relative aux finances est pleine de bonnes idées.

Content was disappointing. Ones own common sense and practival view on how best to enjoy retirement better. Would not recommend this book especially to those resident in the UK.