Review of Reconfigurement

[Jane Ogwang]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Reconfigurement" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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We are traditionally accustomed to a system that says we have to work for a certain number of years, earning the most money we can while saving for when we can no longer work. Well, it's not an entirely wrong system, but many things could go wrong. For example, there are gaps in the proper utilization of security funds, investments, spending strategies, and income protections. But the fundamental question I asked myself after reading this book is, factoring in inflation and taxation, will the income from my savings comfortably pay all my bills after retirement? Unfortunately, my answer to that is not in the affirmative. E. Alan Fleischauer, in his book, Reconfigurement, gives us a new plan and thinking for retirement.

The life expectancy in America has increased over the years and currently stands at around 77. While that is excellent news, Alan looks at it from a different angle; the angle of planning. If people have almost thirty more years to live, they need to plan on how to lead comfortable and happy lives in those years. It means reorganizing and planning our careers and business to take care of our sunset days. Alan delves into the possibility of happily working long after the stone-cast retirement age. This may mean getting into a career or business that's like a hobby and doesn't drain the brain, getting insurance covers for things such as accidents and disability, and even life insurance. Using his financial expertise, He gives real-time data, facts, and arguments to make his cases. The real aim is to get the reader to transition into making enough money doing what they love for a more sustainable period.

I loved every bit of this masterpiece. Not only because the author had a firm grip on the subject matter but also because he presented it in a friendly and exceptional manner. Reading the book almost felt like having a live conversation with Alan because of his writing style. He used rhetorical questions and analogies to keep the reader glued. His humor was top-shelf. He occasionally threw in-jokes that made the work even friendlier and more enjoyable. He knew the book's perfect length; he made it short, precise, and effective. He also used real-life stories of his friends to drive some of his points home. These made the book more authentic and relatable.

Most importantly, though, the book was insightful and informative. I picked a lot of new ideas on finance and money from this book. On insurance policies and taxation, for instance, he pointed out some loopholes in the laws and gave solid advice on how to benefit from them. Okay, maybe not really benefit, but avoid exploitation. I also loved the assessment links he included in the book. I took one of them and found it quite helpful. His take on life insurance was also quite convincing; I'm one of the people who has never seen the need for one. After reading the book, I will have to think about that again.

The only downside to the book was that the author focused only on America and its citizens. I believe he didn't think the book could have an impact elsewhere, but it actually does. Retirement planning is a global thing, and I'd have loved it if he looked at it from that angle. However, given that he lives and publishes his work there, this may be acceptable as Americans are his major audience. I will, therefore, not consider that when giving my rating. I found no other faults in it.

I give the book a rating of four out of four stars. It is well-written and exceptionally well-edited. It is also insightful and practical. I recommend it to anyone who'd like to plan better for retirement.

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Reconfigurement
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[Abril Zacca]

I also believe the author's writing style is great in making you feel like you are having a conversation with him. Great review!

[MsH2k]

What a wonderful review! Planning (and adjusting our plans) for retirement is very important, but it is not something many of us like to think about, regardless of age. I'm glad the author lightens the delivery without omitting any important topics.
Thank you for your take on this informative read.