Looking for book recommendations on retirement planning

jim8888

I remember quite enjoying "The Joy of Not Working" by Ernie J Zelinski (available at Amazon) when I first took what I thought was retirement (maybe it didn't work because I went back to work!) There's a lot more to retirement than the financial side, although most of the focus in many books does seem to be on that. At the moment I'm back at a stage where I might be retired again and I enjoy reading books that help me decide what to do with the time, such as travelogues that visit places that I might want to visit (when we're allowed to do so.) Books that help you extend or improve hobbies I've also found motivational, and I'd include cookbooks and fitness manuals in that. 
 I'd also second the opinion that by far the best resource I've found for all aspects of retirement is here on this forum.

Robert_McGeddon

gm0 said:

Agree with the other recommendations

Also

Rational Expectations (Bernstein) - a pre-QE era perspective but interesting and some valid points nonetheless

A random walk down Wall Street (Burton Malkiel)

Thanks for the Malkiel recommendation. I bought it and have just finished reading it. A big US focus, it's dated but still surprisingly relevant today.  Most importantly it has a no-nonsense approach, is easily readable and is highly informative.

cfw1994

This forum was a great help to me a few years back when I properly starting planning my goal to step away from the proverbial coalface.   Plenty of wise people here to help with simple questions or complex LTA strategies.

Browsed the John Edwards book - fairly easy reading. 
Not sure if any here have views on the Tax Cafe? - some interesting looking books there on pensions and IHT (not read & absorbed them yet, the samples look decent)
From an investment perspective, I like the Lars Kroijer approach (although don't slavishly follow it) - well worth the time to watch the videos.

Plenty of decent blogs to peruse, at no cost to you: Mr Money Mustache, ERN, The Escape Artist: plenty of information out there.  Maybe too much!  Try to digest at a pace that suits you, on topics of interest or confusion.

Financially, I do feel The Number thread is an important thing to know....for YOU.   Warts'n'all.
It will be unique to each of us.
Some have minimal 'required outgoings', and some very cheap hobbies that help form the 'discretionary' spend.

Some want a retirement to start with a round-the-world Business (or First!) Class junket for several months, and to continue with many holidays in luxury.   Others are happy to camp and mix in lower-budget accommodation 
All of those will have been impacted by Covid, but (in theory) should open up more in 2022.   Covid might also mean some of those things are more expensive 😳
Some might be distraught to think they won't have £XXX coming in each month.   Others may be more sanguine and flexible, and indeed may keep some finances in the background, ready to help (such as PBs in cash).

Mentally, there are the days to "fill" with your things.   
Walking, cycling, reading, theatre, pubs, meals out, festivals.....maybe volunteering.   
Friends & family might be important: being able to help offspring at the drop of a proverbial hat is nice, and also having some days (& maybe weeks) with little in the diary may also be fine.   
Who is in your 'support bubble'?   
Some have caring responsibilities that can curb activities.

It's all a big adventure!

BritishInvestor

ajfielden said:

There are quite a few books on the subject on Amazon.
Just looking for anything informative about pensions and retirement planning for someone in their 50's.
Thanks.

Random question but what search terms/filter do you use when searching for this type of book on Amazon? Given there are hundreds of books on the subject.

LV_426

I'm working through "Planning for retirement" by Noel Watson. Lot of good stuff in this book, and you get access to some very useful spreadsheets.