The New Rules of Retirement throws away the rules of thumb, clichés, and obsolete ideas. It provides a proven, updated approach to retiring successfully in today's world. In this new second edition based on independent, objective research, retirement expert Robert C. Carlson uses proven, profitable techniques to coordinate all the factors that lead to financial security and independence. You'll learn how much you really need to save for retirement, how to invest that nest egg before and during retirement, and how to establish a wise and sustainable spending strategy. Carlson will explain how to overcome the threats to lifetime financial security, such as longer life expectancy, low investment returns, higher taxes, and more. Importantly, you'll learn how to plan for the wildcards of retirement planning: health care and long-term care expenses. This edition covers changes in key areas such as annuities, IRA management, estate planning, and income taxes. You'll learn how to merge these insights into your plan to enhance financial security and to provide for loved ones in the future.

Retirement no longer means being put out to pasture. Today's retirees are traveling the world, attending classes, developing new skills, starting businesses, mastering neglected hobbies, and morewell into their golden years. This guide helps ensure you have the financial independence to pursue the retirement you want through smart planning and effective financial strategies.Know and overcome the threats to retiree financial securityLearn the right way to estimate retirement spendingDevelop a sustainable spending strategyInvest your nest egg to make it lastPlan for potential long-term health careLeave a legacy for loved ones

The retirement is now a new phase of life, not a winding down. It's a time to live your best life and do things you couldn't before. But all the financial aspects of retirement have changed. To maintain financial security and create the retirement you desire, you need to be on top of the changes.The New Rules of Retirement provides the latest, proven strategies that help put the shine in your golden years.

ROBERT C. CARLSON is the editor of the monthly newsletter and websiteRetirement Watch, and managing member of Carlson Wealth Advisors, LLC. He is also chairman of the board of trustees of the Fairfax County Employees Retirement System.

Preface: Retirement Has ChangedAgain ix

About the Author xvii

Chapter 1 The New Rules of Retirement 1

Chapter 2 Start with Spending 11

Chapter 3 Securing and Maximizing Guaranteed Lifetime Income 29

Chapter 4 Tapping Your Nest Egg 69

Chapter 5 Managing Your Nest Egg 84

Chapter 6 Handling the Medical Expense Wild Card 100

Chapter 7 Dealing with the Crisis in Long-Term Care 133

Chapter 8 Managing IRAs to Last 166

Chapter 9 Beware the Retirement Tax Ambush 193

Chapter 10 Handling Employer Retirement Plans 213

Chapter 11 The Grandkids Need Your Help More than Ever 231

Chapter 12 Estate Planning Is More than Taxes 252

Chapter 13 Avoiding Financial Scams and Abuse 269

Chapter 14 Choosing the Right Retirement Location 278

Chapter 15 Keys to a Successful Retirement 289

Index 299