Gracious Living on Social Security [Paperback]

Valerie Kent (Author), Burton Hersh (Editor), Jeff Nitzberg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 23, 2009

Gracious Living is an easy-to-read decade-long journey that offers tips and suggestions on how senior citizens can stretch their dollar and get the most for their money. Eleven chapters cover every important aspect of living together, from the wedding preparations to where to live. Key considerations follow each chapter for quick reference: Considerations like where and when to buy clothing, choosing a place to live and juggling your finances. Artist Jeff Nitzberg adds his unique touch with original drawings introducing each chapter.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

At eighty-eight, Valerie Kent is the survivor of a long lifetime spent adjusting to dramatically evolving worlds. She moved from Britain to the United States in 1933. Valerie began at the age of foty-six the drawn-out process of education - seven universities - that would generate, initially, a career as a drug and alcohol counselor for troubled women, then a decade as a celebrated college teacher and - ultimately - a final, exultant marriage. This is her story.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Tree Farm Books; First edition (February 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615211569
• ISBN-13: 978-0615211565
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,090,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You need this book!, March 26, 2009

By 

Margarita Hutchison "Book Club Aficionado" (St. Petersburg, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gracious Living on Social Security (Paperback)

Valerie Kent has magically transformed a lot of "left-brained," practical financial and other priceless information into a delightful, informative, and imaginative "good read." It is also a healing balm for anxious souls during these times. The book is not only timely, but also one that is full of vivaciously presented advice any reader can start applying immediately. I cannot think of a thing that would serve to improve the book. Buy it! You will return to it time and again over the years!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Memoir Filled with Excellent Advice for Golden Agers, July 10, 2009

By 

Cheryl C. Malandrinos "johnnycat15" (Western Mass) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gracious Living on Social Security (Paperback)

Is it possible to survive on Social Security these days? How about more than just survive? Can you live graciously?

In her new book, "Gracious Living on Social Security", Valerie Kent brings you through her retirement years, starting from when she married her second husband, Rick, who is several years her junior.

As the prologue mentions, Kent didn't believe she lived graciously until a friend pointed out that even though they were on a limited, fixed income, Val and Rick still traveled and entertained often, living a life equal to those friends who were much better off. And so, "Gracious Living on Social Security" was born.

Within this slim book, the reader will learn how Valerie and Rick managed an affordable wedding, decided where to live, pulled their house together and how they juggle finances. Other topics include health, keeping the car on the road, being well dressed for the dollar, and how to travel well and inexpensively.

While I know this book is geared toward people in their golden years, I found much of this advice could apply to other age groups as well.

The illustrations provided by Jeff Nitzberg add the pefect light touch to this engaging story of how to live graciously on Social Security.

"Gracious Living on Social Security" by Valerie Kent is certainly a book that contains a great deal of advice all retirees could put to excellent use. It is also a wonderful story of how two older people who had been friends for a long time, got married, and now live a happy and fulfilling life.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars `How an Older Woman and a Younger Man made style affordable.', June 23, 2009

By 

J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gracious Living on Social Security (Paperback)

This is a delightful book. While written for a specific purpose, it meets a number of different needs. First - and foremost, in my mind - Ms Kent recounts how she and her new husband meet the challenges of establishing a new life on a limited income. This story is written with humour and insight. This isn't just about living comfortably within the limits of the USA's social security system; it is also about setting realistic limits about what is possible.

As I read this book, the limitations imposed by income became secondary to decisions about priorities and realistic decisions about what is essential and what isn't. It is clear that while having sufficient money is important, the definition of sufficiency is not fixed.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to review the `real' cost of living as their income reduces. This couple, with good humour and common sense, shows each of us how to consider what constitutes necessary expenditure. Each chapter ends with a list of relevant `key considerations'. Whether you are organising a wedding, choosing a place to live, pulling together one household from two, considering health issues, looking well-dressed or more: this book describes one couple's journey and provides tips relevant to others.

I hope that Valerie and Richard enjoy many more years together.

Read this book, enjoy it, and learn from it!

Jennifer Cameron-Smith