Customer Reviews

Wealth to Last: Money Essentials for the Second Half of Life

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The authors Larry Burkett and Ron Blue offer sound financial advice for Christians in their 40's or 50's preparing for the second half of life (but useful to people of any age). What your mother and father didn't know and couldn't teach you.

Did you know that our cost of living DOUBLES every twenty-four years? (using an inflation rate of just 3%) Will you outlive your savings and investments? Will Social Security be enough? How do you live debt-free in a material world? Are your investments in balance with the current economy? When should you invest in stocks? 401k's? Conventional IRA or Roth IRA? Bonds? Real estate? Certificates of Deposit? When is the right time to "cash out"? Is your head spinning yet?

Based on core Christian principles, the authors discuss nearly every area of personal finance, including the importance of giving and the myths surrounding retirement. Very straight-forward and easy to understand. Includes common questions and answers at the end of each chapter, interesting stories and personal experiences of the authors, scripture references, interactive worksheets and tables. A "must read" for every Christian.

This book covers many interesting Christian value based financial topics, with an emphasis on an older audience. Topics include predictable things like sensible investment strategies, insurance needs, considerations in setting up a will or a trust, tax considerations, etc. One topic that did surprise me somewhat was the discussion about the meaning of retirement. That chapter might make some readers pause and consider what their goals are in life. Overall - a very good book as I expected from the late Mr Burkett.

I was misled by the title that this book would help 40 year olds prepare for the future. However it is more of a financial guide for those in retirement age of 60 or older. It was an interesting read, and I have it set away on my shelf for the future.

Even though this book was written in 2003 there is still a lot of useful financial advice. Read it before you're 50...but still some useful tips even if you're already retired. Clear writing, easy to understand.