Saving for Retirement without Living Like a Pauper

The perfect book for anyone who's concerned about saving for retirement, from baby boomers to Generation Y. Most books on retirement investing are either too complex, too superficial, or too gimmicky to help you. Instead of starting with some lofty financial planning theory, the author walks individuals through the beginning of the process with IRAs and 401(k)s, leaving no basic questions unanswered. Instead of telling readers to open and IRA, as many books do, she tells them how to open one: where to go, what the forms mean, how to decide how to invest, the essential first steps. Then it moves to sophisticated investing strategies that are made simple with models. The goal is to remove everything from the readers' path that typically trips up regular people. Drawing on her email and telephone conversations with over 30,000 readers, she walks you step-by-step through the entire process. She teaches the key principles a professional financial planner would use, but makes them simple enough to apply on your own! From opening an account to choosing the right mutual funds, this book shows you exactly how to do it. One step at a time, you'll learn how to handle IRAs, 401Ks, and other retirement savings wisely, set targets, make good decisions, and avoid costly mistakes. Even if you've never invested before, this book will build your confidence, so you can finally do what you've meant to do for years... get on the path to a secure and comfortable retirement!Based on questions in over 30,000 emails and calls from readers of the author's syndicated personal finance columns From an award-winning financial journalist whose syndicated columns are read by millions of people each week Contains complete coverage of new pension legislation passed in Aug. '06 that has dramatic impact on 401k plans Acquaints readers with other people like themselves with personal stories and examples and addresses issues most likely to confuse them"Leading financial columnist MarksJarvis presents the everyman's guide to saving for retirement. The idea of navigating the world of 401Ks and Roth IRAs leaves many people scared, cold, or both. This book will help reduce the confusion, anxiety and avoidance that many people associate with saving for retirement. Informed by thousands of calls and emails from readers over the years, MarksJarvis understands exactly what people want and need to know about managing their personal finances. Here, she provides guidance and answers common questions in an organized and reader-friendly style. Readers will learn how to calculate what they'll need for their nest egg, how to open an IRA, make sense of mutual funds and when to consult a financial advisor. Sensible-but not stuffy-this book will convince young people to start saving now, and will help ensure that panicked middle-aged readers will not be spending their golden years in the poor house."--Kirkus Reports