I knew I needed to research the subject of retirement planning but was a little intimidated by the subject. Determined to master at least the basics and motivated by concerns that I may be drifting toward vs. planning for retirement, I reluctantly picked up The Three-Legged Stool.
Scout’s honor, and much to my own amazement, I actually stayed up past 1:00 am to finish it. Typically, only Grisham and LesCroat get that kind of attention from me.
The book has three ingredients to its “secret sauce”. Here’s how they came together beautifully for me:
1. I discovered how the basic components of a plan work, how they fit together now, and how they will work for me later. I also discovered unfortunately, that my “one-legged” approach of SOLELY relying on my company’s 401k plan is more avoidance technique than strategy.
2. I love a good story, one that has drama and adventure, makes me think and feel, and has a believable ending. Rick’s stories, frankly, are what kept me reading. Because they made what is typically a dry and boring subject compelling and authentic. These were real people. I relished reading what they did and what happened next as they experienced the consequences of their actions (or lack of action). The stories helped me to “get it” and issued a call to action I felt in my heart as well as my head.
3. I’m also kind of a “tip freak”. They were the spoonful of sugar that helped the medicine go down. Just when I was thinking, “Ok, I need to do this differently than I am now, just relax it’s not too late” and eager to resolve that worry in my tummy, Rick offered a tip that told me just how to proceed. Give me a plan, I’m good to go.
When I finally did so, I slept easily knowing I have a strategy. I can work out the kinks with my financial planner using Rick’s approach. If retirement is your Mt. Everest and you are determined to reach the top painlessly and successfully, Rick is your “financial sherpa”. He’s got years of experien
The New Three Legged