The best 20 Retirement books

Combining autobiography and personal advice, Rich Dad, Poor Dad (1997) outlines how you can become financially independent and wealthy. The author argues that what he teaches in this New York Times best seller are things we’re never taught in society, and that what the upper-class passes on to its children is the necessary knowledge for getting (and staying) rich. As evidence to support his claims, he cites his highly successful career as an investor and his retirement at the early age of 47.

A note to readers: this Blink was redone especially for audio. This is the reason why the text version might differ from the audio version. If you’re trying to decide whether to listen or to read, we highly recommend listening!

• Anyone looking to get out of the rat race
• Anyone interested in learning how the rich get rich
• Anyone wondering how to approach investing

Although technological advances have made it easier than ever to invest in the stock market, today’s Millennials (young adults born between 1980 and 2000) tend to be risk-averse. But this kind of thinking is misguided. Given that benefits like Social Security and retirement pensions are imperiled, it has never been more important for young people to start investing in their future financial security.

• The “Millennial” generation
• Anyone who wants to become a successful investor
• Anyone who wants to build a secure financial future

I Will Teach You To Be Rich takes a straight-talking and amusingly cocky approach to smart banking, saving, spending and investing. You don't need to be an expert to become rich, you just need to have a plan and know a few tricks. Sethi will teach you the benefits of saving as early as possible and setting up automatic investments so you can sit back and let your money work for you.

• Anybody who wants to start making more money
• Students, graduates or recent recruits who want more from their investment in their educations

The Total Money Makeover (2013) is a step-by-step guide to turning your financial situation around, no matter how nasty it seems. By following these seven simple steps, you can put financial security back into your life and begin planning for a comfortable, contented retirement.

• Anyone looking to improve their financial situation
• People who want to avoid or get out of debt
• Anyone who wants to be better prepared for the future, whether it be their retirement or their children’s education

The Index Card (2016) simplifies personal finance. These blinks cover everything from getting a good deal on your mortgage to securing quality life insurance, starting your own savings account and even choosing a financial advisor.

• Students and millennials who are staring down a rocky financial future
• People who are in debt
• First-time homebuyers

We use money every day to take care of bills and purchase the things we need to get by in life, yet rarely seem to think rationally about spending it. Dollars and Sense (2017) explores the irrational human nature that leads to bad spending habits, why we’re so bad at saving money and how to resolve this all too human shortcoming.

• People who struggle to manage their money
• Bargain hunters
• Young people thinking about saving

Quit Like a Millionaire (2019) is a bold no-nonsense guide to managing your money and growing your wealth. Drawing on Kristy Shen’s mathematically proven approach to saving, investing and spending, these blinks won’t just liberate you from debt – they’ll put you on the road to financial independence. The best news? You don’t need to become an entrepreneur or a real estate baron to get there. All it takes is a spreadsheet and some careful planning. 

• Workers tired of the nine-to-five slog
• Hustlers, self-starters and lateral thinkers
• Would-be early retirees

Millennial Money Makeover (2019) is essential reading for millennials who want to get a grip on their finances. In this accessible guide to money management, Conor Richardson offers straightforward financial solutions for the unique economic challenges and stressors that many millennials experience.

• Millennials who know they should be saving but don’t know where to begin
• Graduates struggling to pay off student loans
• Anyone on the brink of making a big-ticket purchase

Your Retirement Salary (2019) tackles a knotty question asked by savers approaching retirement age: How do you transform your savings into an income that will see you through your sunset years? Drawing on years of experience addressing readers’ personal finance questions for a leading British newspaper, Richard Dyson and Richard Evans provide a wealth of insights into getting the most out of your pension pot. 

• Retirees or pensioners
• Savers with an eye on the future 
• Finance fanatics

Financial Freedom (2019) offers a financial strategy that will help you generate enough wealth to live off the interest of your investments, freeing you from the need to work. Irrespective of your present financial situation or income level, you can use this strategy to achieve financial independence so you can retire sooner, and happier.

• Nine-to-fivers longing to escape their cubicles
• Millennials wanting to retire long before their sixties
• Sufferers of financial anxiety

The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+ (2020) is a guide to retirement by one of America’s best-known money experts – Suze Orman. Packed with actionable tips and tricks on everything from downsizing to investing wisely, these blinks will help you create a retirement plan that guarantees financial well-being and peace of mind.

• Retirees worried about making ends meet 
• Mid-career professionals with an eye on the future
• Parents with financially dependent adult children

Money (2018), the celebrated handbook to all things money, cuts through obscure financial jargon to explain personal finance in clear and straightforward terms. Brimming with actionable advice, it helps you finally tackle those pesky financial problems you’ve been avoiding for so long, from managing your debt to sorting out your pension. It’s time to take back control and feel good about your finances.

• Millennials struggling to get by in a confusing and expensive financial system.
• Cash-strapped people who are constantly fretting over their expenses.
• Anyone who wants to ease financial stress and grow their wealth for the future.

Die with Zero (2020) explores the benefits of spending more and saving less. These blinks bust the myths that surround the concept of delayed gratification and comfortable retirement. They also explain how everyone can squeeze out more enjoyment from their money.

• Workaholics searching for balance
• Financial advisors looking for fresh insights
• Young professionals wanting a new perspective

The New Retirement Savings Time Bomb (2021) is a practical handbook to achieving your retirement goals. This level-headed guide provides an easy-to-follow plan for cultivating a nest egg even during turbulent times.

• Careful savers approaching retirement age
• Young workers getting a head start on a savings plan
• Anyone wishing for stress-free golden years

Younger Next Year (2019) is an actionable guide to delaying the onset of 70 percent of normal aging signs until well into your final years. It focuses on seven rules for achieving a stronger, healthier, and younger body and mind. 

• Retirees who want to regain their youth
• People close to retirement
• Anyone craving a healthier lifestyle

Smart Women Finish Rich (1998) is a guide to financial empowerment. The personal finance classic walks readers through everything from saving to investing to – ultimately – building a values-based life and funding your dreams. 

• Anyone intimidated by personal finance
• Young women starting out in their careers
• Individuals approaching retirement

The Millionaire Fastlane (2011) challenges conventional wisdom about accumulating wealth and presents an alternative roadmap to financial independence. As opposed to taking the “Slowlane” approach of saving and investing over decades, it argues that investors should instead seize opportunities in entrepreneurship that can lead to rapid wealth accumulation. It covers key principles such as creating scalable businesses, taking calculated risks, and leveraging time to achieve financial freedom more quickly.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom
• Skeptics of traditional investment advice
• Individuals interested in the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) methodology

Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide To Money (2011) is a hands-on guide to personal finance. It details the best approaches to everything money – including budgeting, saving, investing, and getting insurance.

• Anyone wanting to manage their finances correctly
• Individuals struggling with debt
• Young adults seeking budgeting tips

Passive Income, Aggressive Retirement (2019) is a roadmap to financial freedom through diversified income streams like real estate, stocks, and other forms of passive income. As traditional retirement plans become outdated, financial independence emerges as the new goal. Discover the tools to craft your prosperous financial narrative.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance on diversifying their income streams
• Millennial professionals aiming to achieve financial independence before traditional retirement age
• Personal finance enthusiasts eager to explore various avenues of wealth generation

How to Retire (2024) offers a detailed guide to building a financially secure and fulfilling retirement. It covers essential strategies like managing investments, maximizing Social Security benefits, and preparing for long-term care. Alongside financial advice, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining health, nurturing relationships, and finding purpose, helping you approach retirement with confidence and balance.

• Retirees seeking financial stability and fulfilling life choices
• Pre-retirees preparing for long-term financial and lifestyle planning
• Women planning for retirement and long-term care needs