Bob Clyatt
Nolo Press, 2007
We spent ten years (1992-2001) planning for early retirement (age 35-35) and another nine years (so far) experiencing it. We've read dozens of books and experienced what it's really like. These are our favorites.
If you think I've left something important out, please drop me a line to: Kathy at blessley.net
Work Less, Live More: The Way to Semi-Retirement
Bob Clyatt
Nolo Press, 2007
Best summary of financial advice and lifestyle alternatives this is for someone who wants to revamp their life/work paradigm. This is the book I would have written based on what we've learned over the last 20 years of researching & living; now I don't have to.
Cashing in on the American Dream -- How to Retire at 35
Paul Terhorst
Bantam Books, 1988
This is the book that started us on the journey to early retirement. An excellent introduction to understanding how it is surprisingly realistic for a professional couple to retire in style at a young age. Out of print – will need to find it via a used book store.
Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
Joe Domiquez & Vikki Roberts, 1992 (updated 2008)
Probably the most widely read book on the topic. I didn't find the first half that useful -- it's about why one shouldn't overspend, build up big balances on credit cards, etc. Second half is good - some good methods for thinking about finances; I especially liked the part about understanding the benefits one gets from "working" (e.g. income, socializing, learning,...) and how to reassemble the components in alternate ways. Can be a bit heavy on the philosophizing on over-consumption.
The Joy of Not Working
Ernie Zelinksi
Visions International Publishing, Edmonton, Alberta
Insightful and lighthearted book that leads the reader through the process of thinking through life without a traditional "job". Asks all the right questions, but less philosophically-heavy than "Your Money or Your Life." Other books by the author are in a similar vein.
The 4-Hour Workweek
Timothy Ferris
Crown Archetype 2009
How to build a career from the ground-up on the premise that it can be done from anywhere in the world & doesn't take much time. Internet & outsourcing centric. Recently updated.
Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want
Barbara Sher
Ballantine, updated 2003
So, how do you want to spend your life? Barbara Sher
Get a Life: You Don't Need a Million to Retire Well, Fourth Edition
Ralph Warner
Nolo Press, updated 2005
This book is written for traditional retirees, and has very non-typical advice on the typical set of retirement topics. Two things make it unique, and worthy of reading by very early retirees. Most interesting is the set of insights developed from interviewing people who are having a healthy, fulfilling, and joyful old age. The commonalties that emerged (read the book to find out what they are) in many cases are based on capabilities or actions that must be begun in midlife or earlier. The second interesting part of the book is its questioning of much of the conventional wisdom on retirement ("you don't need a million"…)
Live It Up Without Outliving Your Money!
Dan Merriman
Wiley, 2008
The only real investment "secrets" you need to know are asset allocation and safe withdrawal rates. Dan Merriman is one of the best thinkers on these subjects.
The Four Pillars of Investing
The Intelligent Asset Allocator
William Bernstein
This is our other favorite investing book on asset allocation & withdrawal rates.
See what we've done during our retirement http://blessley.net/
The Retire Early Home Page
http://www.retireearlyhomepage.com/
"The online magazine for people who used to work for a living". Aimed right at the topics in this course, some good reviews/pointers. Some financial calculators tuned specifically to early retirement.
Paul Terhorst ("Cashing in on the American Dream") home page
http://sites.google.com/site/paulvicgroup/
An update of what they've done in the last decade+ since retiring
www.morningstar.com My favorite financial web site. Great planning and analysis tools. Lots available for free, but the $60 fee for full access is well worth it. Their financial classroom (on line training) is outstanding – learn the basics all the way up to the most sophisticated.
Quicken Financial Network: http://www.quicken.com
A comprehensive personal finance site.
New Road Map Foundation www.newroadmap.org This foundation was set up by the authors of "Your Money or Your Life", and has the latest speaking engagements, news letters, etc. There are local/online courses as well.
Simple Living Network http://www.slnet.com Both content and pointers, free email newsletter. Very nicely organized with good content.
Voluntary Simplicity And Financial Independence http://www.scn.org/earth/lightly
Seattle-based, associated with the New Road Map foundation, started by the authors of "Your Money or your Life". Both content and pointers
