The Retirement Fitness Challenge – Book Giveaway

I was recently given a copy of the book, The Retirement Fitness Challenge: Shape Up Your Finances and Make Your Money Last a Lifetime, by Mark Bautis to review. Since I do write for a retirement blog this book was just the kind of financial book I like to read.

The book uses the analogy of comparing planning for retirement to starting a fitness routine. The analogy actually works pretty well. The book is divided into three parts. The first part concerns getting a snapshot of where your finances are at today. The second part focuses on withdrawal strategies including Social Security. The third part focuses on investment strategies. I particularly like his chapters on annuities and real estate investment trusts. I do own some REITs but don’t own an annuity. I think an annuity can be a smart addition to a retirement plan. Having some of your income guaranteed helps reduce the risk you will outlive your money.

Planning for retirement is a daunting challenge similar to starting a fitness routine. Your chances of successfully improving your health increases if you put together and implement a well thought out plan rather than just winging it by attempting to run 5 miles a day. The first step in improving your health as well as your current financial outlook is by assessing your current status. The Retirement Fitness Challenge: Shape Up Your Finances and Make Your Money Last a Lifetime, while simple in concept, is an evolving program that presents core concepts while layering complexity based on each retiree’s unique needs. You will emerge from taking The Retirement Fitness Challenge with a realistic assessment of your current financial status, learn several smart savings withdrawal strategies as well as different investment options to convert savings into an income stream to cover your expenses through retirement. The Retirement Fitness Challenge provides tools to help you stay on track with your retirement strategy and enable you to enjoy the retirement of your dreams.

If you would like a copy of the book just leave a comment. One winner will be chosen at random next Friday, March 15, 2013. Please, only one comment per person and you will need to have a U.S. mailing address. If you do not have a U.S. mailing address or would just prefer a different prize you have the option of receiving a $5 Amazon gift card instead of the book.