RETIREMENT STEPPING STONES

Hixon offers broad guidance and practical advice on retirement.

This work aims to help men and women make the most of their retirement years—a transition that can be devastating for many people. As the author notes, the frequency of depression increases nearly 40% among retirees, with suicide rates for men peaking at age 75. After he lost his own mother to suicide, shortly after her retirement, Hixon set out to demystify the retirement process. In this book, he clarifies that retirement is not an escape from workforce burnout, nor is it the perpetual vacation depicted in marketing campaigns. Such assumptions can lead retirees to feel anxious or disappointed in the reality of their experience, regardless of their financial situation, he says; however, by building a clear understanding of the retirement experience and preparing for it socially and emotionally, retirees can make a smooth transition to the next chapter in their lives. This heartfelt book offers important financial guidance, including an overview of retirement funding strategies and their tax implications. However, it’s less dedicated to this aspect of retirement planning than some other guides are; this is clearly intentional, as the author asserts that a purely financial approach to retirement planning is inadequate. Instead, he effectively dedicates much of his work to encouraging lifestyle-based approaches, such as finding a mentor who’s already navigated the transition to post-employment life and trying out potential changes, such as renting space in a new community prior to moving into it. Hixon also tackles the popular “highlight reel” narrative of retirement, which focuses on vacations and large purchases but overlooks day-to-day reality. By encouraging retirees to thoughtfully plan the hobbies, activities, and support systems that will fill the void of a 40-hour workweek—as well as backup plans if a new sense of structure is necessary—the author presents possibilities for a brighter, happier future.

A useful read for those considering retirement, filled with valuable tips.