Looking Forward: An Optimist's Guide to Retirement
By: Ellen Freudenheim
Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang
Published: November 16, 2004

This book is terrific. It offers excellent advice to new retirees or those thinking of retiring. Ellen Freudenheim has written a book that goes far beyond the standard ABC's of retirement.



The author assumes that you want a 'real' life after you leave your primary job. Each section of the book offers good advice to those who want more. I loved the "Anchor Activities" section Growing, Doing and Just Being. Readers are encouraged to continue growing spiritually, to do what they have wanted to do, and to continue being who they are, but much more so. Sound advice is given concerning the retirees awareness of his or her new financial situation; and how to move on mentally and physically.

As one who has recently retired, I read this book from beginning to end and found information that I have already begun to use. Freudenheim provides little windows into the lives of some people who have retired and are happy with their decision to do so. Some of those profiled continued doing more of what they enjoy, some made changes so drastic it boggles the mind. Might I suggest that this book is not just for those thinking of retirement? It will be useful to those who wonder with a fair amount of trepidation what they would do if they did retire.

This book has the right title, Looking Forward: An Optimist's Guide to Retirement. The key words here are "Looking Forward".


Looking Forward: An Optimist's Guide to Retirement
Available from Amazon.com