Customer Reviews

Retirement on a Budget, 6th (Retirement on a Shoestring)

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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!

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.

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.