Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
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THE NUMBER
By Lee Eisenberg
Are you one of the millions of Americans nearing retirement who is starting to think about your "number." You know - the amount of money you need to secure the rest of your life. What is your number? Is it an amount you've given thoughtful consideration to or is it something you just threw a dart at?
This is a very easy to read book about the subject of what your number is, what factors impact the number, and why you want that particular number in the first place. Because it's easy to read, it is unlike many financial books in that it doesn't have many graphs or much technical language. This is the reason many people loved it - and the same reason many hated it. It depends on what kind of financial book you enjoy.
I happened to enjoy Eisenberg's perspective. He doesn't JUST explore the math of needing a number that will you allow you to withdraw 4% per year and having that be enough to live on. And he doesn't just offer facts like one in every five seniors in America ends his or her days in near poverty or worse. He actually asks what you want the number for? Is it a little condo in Santa Fe or a nice assisted living community or a legacy for your kids? The why impacts the how.
The book is a little disjointed because it is part financial book, part spiritual discussion, but I enjoyed it - and I recommend The Number by Lee Eisenberg. On the Book Beat for KSL Newsradio, I'm Amanda Dickson.
