Table of Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction: How Reading This Book Can Change Your Financial Future 1
Step 1 Figure Out What You Really Want
Chapter 1 Defining Your Values 17
Chapter 2 Getting Your Goals Straight 28
Step 2 Envision Your Financial Future
Chapter 3 Facing Reality and Exploring Your Dreams 45
Chapter 4 Creating the Financial Plan That's Right for You 53
Step 3 Work Your Money
Chapter 5 Paying Yourself First 67
Chapter 6 Getting a Handle on Your Spending 84
Step 4 Quit Strumming the Money Blues
Chapter 7 Paying Down Debt 97
Chapter 8 Maximizing Your Cash 109
Chapter 9 Pinpointing the Amount You Need to Retire 118
Step 5 Put the Pieces Together
Chapter 10 Knowing When to Take Social Security 137
Chapter 11 Choosing Traditional or Roth IRAs 152
Chapter 12 Recognizing an Annuity for What It Is 163
Step 6 View Home Ownership as a Viable Option
Chapter 13 Understanding Our Passion for Real Estate 181
Chapter 14 Knowing Whether to Rent or Buy, Stay or Downsize or Relocate 195
Step 7 Don't Just Play the Market, Understand It
Chapter 15 Making Wall Street Work for You 217
Step 8 Protect Your Assets
Chapter 16 Selecting Insurance That Fits Your Needs 235
Chapter 17 Keeping Income Flowing for the Rest of Your Life 251
Chapter 18 Choosing a Financial Professional 279
Step 9 Enjoy the Richness of Your Life
Chapter 19 Leaving a Legacy 291
Chapter 20 Reinventing Your Life 301
Appendix: Worksheets for Tracking Your Expenses 307
Notes 315