Review of Reconfigurement
Posted: 13 Nov 2022, 02:54
[Following is a volunteer review of "Reconfigurement" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]
In Reconfigurement, E. Alan Fleischauer takes an ordinarily daunting and jargon-heavy subject and turns it into an easy, enjoyable, and highly informative read.
Fleischauer, an expert financial advisor and highly-acclaimed writer, introduces his “Reconfigurement” program, which focuses on planning ahead and utilizing various strategies to best prepare for retirement. The author lays the foundations for why the American financial system’s traditional approach to retirement planning is inadequate in the face of present circumstances. Statistics show that life expectancy has increased and so has the cost of living. People are living longer and the investment asset-focused save-lots-spend-little strategy will ultimately lead to a majority of retired Americans running out of money due to insufficient planning and lack of income after retirement. Fleischauer has devised the “Reconfigurement” program which combines the old ways with strategies that take into account the new realities, for a more effective financial planning process that promotes “gainful employment”, as Fleischauer puts it, even after retirement.
Aside from his insightful and witty look at retirement strategies and the best ways to plan ahead, Fleischauer explores various topics. He discusses essential considerations every person, regardless of their age, location, or circumstances, must consider. From income protection plans to long-term care and life insurance policies, Fleischauer lays out the different types thereof, approximate costs associated with each, and the pros and pitfalls one should keep their eyes and ears open for. Fleischauer definitely covers a lot of bases as he gives an in-depth account of topics that aren’t for the faint of heart, such as the different types of qualified plans (401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs), and the ins and outs of Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, wills, trusts and even what he calls “Grandparent plans”. In line with his belief that retirees should remain employed after retirement age, Fleischauer encourages readers to engage in work they genuinely like and goes so far as to provide recommendations and links to career placement assessments and personality assessments that he’s tested out himself, along with brief overviews and what each entails. He does the same for online retirement planning tools and software!
The author's use of jokes to lighten a heavy topic and his incorporation of examples and anecdotes to explain dense concepts are wholeheartedly welcomed and extremely effective at allaying any apprehension that comes with the territory of reading a book on an unfamiliar topic. Fleischauer writes in a way that even a layperson can understand, without any hassle. He writes in a confident voice derived from years of practicing as an advisor in the financial field, which is reassuring and solidifies his position as a trustworthy and reliable source. Speaking of sources, he includes links to all his dad jokes, as well as recommended reading materials he believes will be of great help in the retirement planning process. Even if you aren’t considering retirement, I highly recommend reading Reconfigurement, for its potentially boundless application and its ability to transcend borders.
For all the dad jokes, excellent writing, priceless wisdom, and indispensable financial education I’ve received in just fourteen chapters, I give Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Reconfigurement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Reconfigurement, E. Alan Fleischauer takes an ordinarily daunting and jargon-heavy subject and turns it into an easy, enjoyable, and highly informative read.
Fleischauer, an expert financial advisor and highly-acclaimed writer, introduces his “Reconfigurement” program, which focuses on planning ahead and utilizing various strategies to best prepare for retirement. The author lays the foundations for why the American financial system’s traditional approach to retirement planning is inadequate in the face of present circumstances. Statistics show that life expectancy has increased and so has the cost of living. People are living longer and the investment asset-focused save-lots-spend-little strategy will ultimately lead to a majority of retired Americans running out of money due to insufficient planning and lack of income after retirement. Fleischauer has devised the “Reconfigurement” program which combines the old ways with strategies that take into account the new realities, for a more effective financial planning process that promotes “gainful employment”, as Fleischauer puts it, even after retirement.
Aside from his insightful and witty look at retirement strategies and the best ways to plan ahead, Fleischauer explores various topics. He discusses essential considerations every person, regardless of their age, location, or circumstances, must consider. From income protection plans to long-term care and life insurance policies, Fleischauer lays out the different types thereof, approximate costs associated with each, and the pros and pitfalls one should keep their eyes and ears open for. Fleischauer definitely covers a lot of bases as he gives an in-depth account of topics that aren’t for the faint of heart, such as the different types of qualified plans (401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs), and the ins and outs of Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, wills, trusts and even what he calls “Grandparent plans”. In line with his belief that retirees should remain employed after retirement age, Fleischauer encourages readers to engage in work they genuinely like and goes so far as to provide recommendations and links to career placement assessments and personality assessments that he’s tested out himself, along with brief overviews and what each entails. He does the same for online retirement planning tools and software!
The author's use of jokes to lighten a heavy topic and his incorporation of examples and anecdotes to explain dense concepts are wholeheartedly welcomed and extremely effective at allaying any apprehension that comes with the territory of reading a book on an unfamiliar topic. Fleischauer writes in a way that even a layperson can understand, without any hassle. He writes in a confident voice derived from years of practicing as an advisor in the financial field, which is reassuring and solidifies his position as a trustworthy and reliable source. Speaking of sources, he includes links to all his dad jokes, as well as recommended reading materials he believes will be of great help in the retirement planning process. Even if you aren’t considering retirement, I highly recommend reading Reconfigurement, for its potentially boundless application and its ability to transcend borders.
For all the dad jokes, excellent writing, priceless wisdom, and indispensable financial education I’ve received in just fourteen chapters, I give Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Reconfigurement
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon