Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
Monday: Five Ways to Build Net Worth
- Net worth is the amount of money or wealth you would have if you sold everything you own (including homes) and repaid all of your debts (including mortgages).
- As you age, your net worth should increase. Because most retirees use some of their assets to fund retirement needs, they may have a decreasing net worth.
- You can increase net worth by
- Saving money
- Repaying debt
- Receiving income on savings and investments that you don’t spend
- Owning assets that increase in value (like a house; not a car)
- Saving in a retirement plan
- Calculate your net worth at least once a year. New Year’s Day, April 15th, your birthday or anniversary is a good day for calculating net worth.
Survey Question:
Do you calculate your financial net worth at least once a year?
Web Resource of the Day:
America Saves Wealth Calculator
Books:
Retirement Planning for the Utterly Confused
by Paul Petillo
Although this book is lighthearted it presents a serious and basic discussion of retirement planning for individuals and couples. It’s full of “What to Ask?” and “What the Experts Say” tips. The book explores the importance of time and retirement philosophy in making a retirement plan. Eight common misunderstandings about retirement planning are also discussed. Younger employees and plan participants will find this book helpful as they navigate the maze of financial advice from those who are older and wiser. (McGraw Hill)
#8723. 2008. 290 pgs. $17.95 (I.F. Members $16.95).
Perfect Portfolio: Five Steps to Allocate Your Assets and Ensure a Lifetime of Wealth
by Michael Kaye, CFA
For many investors, the recipe for a perfect portfolio is akin to finding the Holy Grail. This book provides a roadmap for assembling a perfect mix of income and equity investments – based on the investor’s personal life cycle stage, time horizon and risk tolerance. The author uses a systematic process for portfolio development: setting goals, selecting asset classes, allocating funds among asset classes, choosing investment products, and monitoring performance. A review of account types, fees and costs, and economic events is also included. Unlike most other books on the subject, this book examines the influence age, gender, marital status, investing experience, dependents and affluence have on selecting and maintaining a successful investment strategy. Last, five investment strategies are presented and studied. The author provides an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand guide to investing. The book is suitable for readers of all investing experience levels.
#8720. 2008. 229 pgs. $31.95 (I.F. Members $29.95).
Mid Career Planner
by Rick Garnitz
Designed for employees between 35 and 50, the book helps baby boomers take stock of their financial situation and plan ahead for later life. It focuses on the interrelated issues of work, family and finances. Rick Garnitz. LifeSpan Services, Inc. Quantity discounts available.
#8679. 2007. 130 pgs. $15.95 (I.F. Members $14.95).
What Color is Your Parachute? For Retirement: Planning Now for the Life You Want
by Richard N. Bolles, John E. Nelson
In this empowering and creative personal planning guide, the authors remind readers that retirement today is not about retiring from something. Rather, it's about retiring to something and creating a personal road map to use in arriving at retirement goals. The book assesses individual retirement readiness in terms of money, health and happiness, using six scientific fields of study. Health, happiness, dreams and passions are given as much weight as financial planning. Whether readers are just starting a career or already retired, this book helps provide the foundation on which to build a future without taking a lemming's view of when and how one must retire. Richard N. Bolles and John E. Nelson. 10 Speed Press.
#8663. 2007. 263 pgs. $17.95 (I.F. Members $16.95).
How To Receive the Best Health Care for You and Your Family & Your Personal Health Care Journal
by Brent C. Aleshire
The perfect book for all wellness program participants! This essential personal health management tool can help lower costs and add value to your company or plan. The easy-to-read book and simple-to-use journal show employees and plan participants how to receive the best care and treatment from doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. The book's five-part strategy lays out the steps necessary for taking charge and being responsible for the quality of health care you need and deserve. Discover how to manage your medical team, learn the keys to effective communication in a health care setting, find out what gold standard health care means and how to strive for it. Become aware of medical error prevention strategies and find out how to use the personal journal to track your health history. The journal features ten sections specifically designed to make it easy to record and track important health information. Use the journal to keep notes on topics to discuss with your doctors, track medications and record vital statistics along with other important information. The journal features a list of resources including phone numbers and Web sites of health care organizations, definitions of commonly used medical terms and more. Ideal for all wellness program participants, their spouses and families. Also recommended for seniors and parents who want a way to keep track of their children's medical records. Custom covers and quantity discounts are available for volume orders. Brent C. Aleshire. The Health Care System.
#8589. 2006. 240 pages. $31.95 (I.F. Members $29.95).