Retirement on a Budget, 6th (Retirement on a Shoestring) [Paperback]

John Howells (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2007 | Series: Retirement on a Shoestring

Retirement expert John Howells provides seniors with the information they need to retire comfortably. This guide includes information on topics such as affordable housing, medical care, availability and quality of senior services, recreational and cultural opportunities for retirees, and the best retirement locations in the United States and abroad.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Creative strategies for your retirement years!

These days retirement is more a lifestyle transition than an end to work and activity. It can be a time to travel, volunteer, go back to school, start a new business venture, or simply say hasta la vista to the daily grind.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a company pension or profitable investment portfolio to support their dreams for retirement. For many, the main source of retirement dollars will be Social Security benefits.
Retirement on a Budget explains how to maximize your retirement income and enjoy your retirement years in comfort. John Howells, a nationally recognized retirement expert, provides current information on:

• tapping equity
• affordable retirement locations at home or abroad
• qualifying for Medicare and Medicaid
• finding fun and low-cost recreational and cultural opportunities
• mobile home and RV living
• trimming utility bills
• thriving as a single

About the Author

John Howells and his wife, Sherry, have interviewed retired folks in all sections of the country, collecting experiences, advice, and valuable insights into successful retirement lifestyles. John is the author of Choose Mexico for Retirement, Choose Costa Rica for Retirement, and Choose the Southwest for Retirement. He divides his time between California and Costa Rica.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 6th edition (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0762742224
• ISBN-13: 978-0762742226
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #869,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Informative if you own your home outright, May 22, 2011

By 

T. Shelby "Mama of 3 girlies" (Calera, AL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Retirement on a Budget, 6th (Retirement on a Shoestring) (Paperback)

Thankfully, I checked this book out from my local library and did not purchase it. I could see how it might be helpful to some. All the advice contained within would only work if you own your home. Therefore, I got little from it.
It did have a lot of nice figures listed about different places that it would be nice to retire. But, since the reason I got the book was to learn how to retire on a budget, that didn't help me too much.
Like I said, if you own your home, you might find some useful advice inside. If not, probably not!

4.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging, February 3, 2011

By 

patio22 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Retirement on a Budget, 6th (Retirement on a Shoestring) (Paperback)

I found this book to be very well written and easy to follow. It covered many of the topics important to me as a single person and someone who is hoping to spend some time RVing. It left me with a very positive feeling regarding my own retirement.

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this book, April 22, 2007

By 

Reader Views "Reviews, by readers, for readers" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Retirement on a Budget, 6th (Retirement on a Shoestring) (Paperback)

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (3/07)


When we think of retirement we think of being rewarded for all those years of loyalty and hard work. We call our senior years "The Golden Years." But the years aren't golden for everyone; we question whether social security will still be there for us. Have we saved enough? What about inflation? Can we continue to live in the lifestyle we've become accustomed to? What about life insurance and health care? Many will have a lower income once they retire.

The information contained in "Retirement on a Budget" is presented in a simple, straightforward manner. You don't have to have an accounting degree to understand what the author is explaining. Among other things, John Howells discusses budgeting and presents an example of a bare-bones budget for the reader to study. He offers suggestions on how you can save money on common expenses: clothing, groceries, transportation, etc. He discusses relocating to a community that is lower-cost or looking for a lower cost area in the community you live in now.

One of the key issues John Howells discusses is being single and retirement. Most "retirement ads focus on couples," but "what happens if your spouse dies unexpectedly?" "What about the homemaker who spends her productive years raising a family only to find herself divorced once the children are on their own?"

I've always thought the idea of living on the road in an RV to be both romantic and adventurous. Howells addresses this option in a logical manner. After reading the chapter "RVS and Retirement," I know I'd love it but my husband would hate it.

"Retirement on a Budget" by John Howells is a must read for all of us facing retirement. Rather than going into this new period of our life with dreams we need to face it with reality also. The reality is that we will need a budget, we will need activities, and we will need planning. While my husband and I together will not have to relocate, I know that if I were to lose him I would have to. Mr. Howells has given me much to think about. Thank you Mr. Howells! I highly recommend this book to those looking to retire in the next fifteen years. You can never plan to early.

Book received free of charge.