The 7 Best Retirement Planning Books to Read in 2024

We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

If you’re nearing retirement age or just starting to think about retirement planning, you’re in luck. There are a lot of great books out there on the subject.

In this post, we will list 7 of the best retirement planning books that you should read right now. Each book offers its own unique perspective on retirement planning, and together they can help you create a solid plan for your future.

Top list of books for retirement planning

1. Independence Day

Steve Lopez’s Independence Day is an entertaining and informative book about retirement. Lopez interviewed a wide variety of people about their retirement plans and experiences, and the result is a book that will appeal to anyone who is considering retiring or who is already retired.

One of the book’s strengths is its mix of positive and negative retirement stories. While some of the interviewees have had wonderful experiences in retirement, others have found it to be a time of loneliness and boredom. This balance provides readers with a realistic view of what retirement can be like, and it also offers helpful advice for making the most of this phase of life.

Another strength of the book is its focus on the financial aspects of retirement. Lopez provides readers with a wealth of information about Social Security, pensions, and other sources of income for retirees.

He also offers practical advice for managing one’s finances in retirement. The result is a book that will be invaluable for anyone who is planning for retirement.

2. The Simple Path to Wealth

The Simple Path to Wealth is one of the best finance books for retirement out there. JL Collins does an excellent job of explaining complicated financial concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. He also provides concrete steps that anyone can take to start building wealth.

Perhaps most importantly, he debunks many common myths about personal finance. For example, he advocates for investing in index funds instead of picking individual stocks. He also argues that saving more money is not the key to building wealth – instead, it’s about investing wisely and letting compound interest work its magic.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their financial situation. It’s an extremely informative and well-written guide that will pay dividends for years to come.

3. 1001 Fun Things To Do in Retirement

1001 Fun Things To Do in Retirement is an interesting book that covers a wide range of topics related to retirement. The author, Mike Bellah, does a great job of discussing the various aspects of retirement, from financial planning to leisure activities.

He also includes a helpful section on how to stay active and engaged in retirement. This book is a great resource for anyone who is considering retirement or who is already retired. It provides a comprehensive overview of the topic and offers some practical advice for making the most of retirement.

4. How to Retire with Enough Money

If you’re like most people, the word “retirement” conjures up visions of a life of leisure, free from the worries of work and finance. However, the reality is that many Americans are woefully unprepared for retirement, and they will face a harsh reality when they can no longer rely on a regular paycheck.

In her book, How to Retire With Enough Money: And How to Know What Enough Is, Teresa Ghilarducci offers readers a roadmap to a secure retirement. Ghilarducci is a professor of economics and a nationally recognized expert on retirement security.

In her book, she debunks many of the myths surrounding retirement planning and provides actionable advice on how to make sure you have enough money to retire comfortably. Ghilarducci’s book is an essential read for anyone who is nearing retirement age or who wants to make sure they are prepared for the future.

5. The 5 Years Before You Retire

The 5 Years Before You Retire is a must-read for anyone within five years of retirement age. Birken walks readers through the steps they need to take in order to retire comfortably, including how to maximize Social Security benefits, pay off debt, and invest wisely. The book also includes helpful advice on how to downsize one’s lifestyle and live on a fixed income.

Perhaps most importantly, Birken provides readers with a realistic picture of what retirement will be like, both the good and the bad. For anyone who is nearing retirement age, The 5 Years Before You Retire is an essential guide to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable retirement.

6. How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free

Though Zelinski’s book is packed with actionable advice, it’s also an extremely fun read. Zelinski brings his years of experience as a prosperity life coach to bear in this book, providing readers with a step-by-step guide to reaching retirement bliss. One of the things I liked best about this book is that Zelinski doesn’t just tell you what you need to do to retire happy, he also explains why those things are important.

For example, he discusses the importance of maintaining social connections and staying active in retirement, two factors that are often overlooked but can make a big difference in your overall happiness. If you’re looking for a retirement book that will not only teach you how to retire happy but also explain the science behind happiness, How to Retire Happy, Wild, and Free is a perfect choice.

7. Seven Figures by Seventy: How To Guarantee Tax-Free Wealth At Retirement

Seven Figures by Seventy is an essential read for anyone looking to build wealth and secure their financial future. Adam Bergman provides a straightforward and comprehensive guide to tax-deferred and tax-free growth strategies, IRA and Roth IRA plans, and 401k investments.

He breaks down each topic in an easy-to-understand way, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all levels of financial experience. You’ll find some uncommon financial planning wisdom which makes it one of the best books for retirement planning. In addition, Bergman offers concrete advice for how to put these wealth-building strategies into practice. Seven Figures by Seventy is an invaluable resource for anyone serious about securing their financial future.

Conclusion

These books will help you with a stress-free retirement and set you up for financial independence. Use the books in this list to secure your retirement income and ensure financial security so you can enjoy your golden years without worry. Happy reading.