Review of Reconfigurement

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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E. Alan Fleischauer's Reconfigurement stands out as a robust and insightful guide to retirement and financial planning, uniquely blending professional advice with personal anecdotes and a touch of humor.

At the heart of Fleischauer's approach is a critique of conventional retirement strategies. He argues for a more dynamic and forward-thinking plan, recognizing the need for adaptability in financial decisions as individuals age. His extensive experience as a financial advisor enriches the book, lending credibility and depth to his recommendations. The book's structure is methodical, each chapter focusing on a different aspect of financial planning. It ranges from investment choices, including mutual funds and IRAs, to understanding Medicare and Medicaid, and the intricacies of Social Security. Particularly noteworthy is the chapter on long-term care, addressing the often-overlooked complexities of legal and financial planning for aging.

The book excels in its comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics, including wills, trusts, and budgeting tools. While some may view this extensive scope as overwhelming, it's commendable how the author manages to make such dry and complex subjects more approachable. His use of humor and personal anecdotes demystifies intricate financial concepts, making them more relatable and interesting. The emphasis on personal fulfillment is particularly noteworthy. The author encourages readers to not only focus on financial security but also to plan for a fulfilling life, both pre-and post-retirement. This perspective is a welcome change in a genre that often concentrates solely on the financial side. Although the advice may not be perfectly tailored to every individual financial situation, the book serves as an excellent primer for understanding and managing the complexities of retirement and financial planning.

While the book is informative, it has its shortcomings. The lack of a unifying theme makes it feel like a university textbook interspersed with cheesy humor. The author's frequent use of “we'll address this later” is also frustrating. Fleischauer's style is knowledgeable yet personal, but the tone, despite being cheerful and friendly, often veers into excessive informality, which can be irksome. This is particularly evident in the overuse of phrases like “bummer”, “wink”, and “double wink”.

In terms of its intended readers, the book is particularly valuable for Americans nearing retirement age. It is also beneficial for financial advisors, as it promotes a modernized approach and emphasizes the need for adaptation in their field. Additionally, the book advocates for working past the usual retirement age, appealing to those considering part-time or flexible working arrangements as they age. Although the inclusion of personal anecdotes and humor adds engagement, this style may not suit every reader seeking a more conventional or formal financial advice format.

In summary, Reconfigurement acts as a thorough and enlightening resource for retirement and financial planning, particularly relevant for today's audience dealing with longer life expectancies and shifting economic scenarios. Like any book on financial advice, its content should be augmented with current research and customized to fit personal situations. I didn't come across any significant grammatical errors, and the few minor ones I encountered didn't detract from my reading experience, indicating professional editing. In my view, the book merits a full 5 out of 5 stars for effectively fulfilling its purpose: it not only provides valuable information and retirement planning guidance but also underscores the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation. It understandably doesn't offer personalized strategies, as each reader must interpret the information and make their own informed decisions.

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Reconfigurement
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[Benny Rach]

Reconfigurement offers a step-by-step approach to retirement planning, making it easy for readers to follow along and implement the strategies outlined.