The Perennials Megatrends by Mauro Guillen - Book Review

Title: The Perennials; The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society

Author: Mauro F. Guillen

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Length: 272 Pages

About the Author
Mauro F. Guillén is one of the most original thinkers at the Wharton School, where he is a Professor of Management and Vice Dean for the MBA for Executives Program. He combines his training as a sociologist at Yale and as a business economist in his native Spain to methodically identify and quantify the most promising opportunities at the intersection of demographic, economic, and technological developments.

Play - Study - Work - Retirement
Virtually every country in the world has embraced the idea that life proceeds in the following four sequential stages;

1. Play 
2. Study
3. Work
4. Retirement

The author believes the trend of sequential stages is coming to an end and we are entering an era where the perennials will thrive. Perennials are defined as "people who are not characterized by the decade in which they were born but rather by the way they work, learn, and interact with others."

My Thoughts

People are living longer and having fewer children.  Multi-generational households are becoming more common. 

The demand for social skills in the workplace is increasing. The future will require more soft skills, self-awareness, empathy, networked thinking, and lifelong learning. 
The ability to adapt to changes will be crucial in the workplace, in social interactions, and at home. People will be required to adapt, learn, unlearn, and relearn.

This is a fascinating book designed to predict the future trends of the worldwide economy and way of life. This book represents many years of research by the author and his team. The writing style is appropriate for the lay reader as well as professionals in the fields of business, sociology, and economics.

I found this book insightful and inspiring. 

The world will be a better place if these trends come to pass. Long live the Perennials!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for an excellent reading opportunity.

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Wealth Redefined - A Review

Wealth Redefined: Charting the Way to Personal and Financial Freedom

Authors: Bob Reby and Greg Ruais

Publisher: River Grove Books

Publication Date: August 2, 2017

Pages: 183



About the Author
After graduating from James Madison University with a BA in Finance in 1985, Robert J. Reby decided to pursue his passion for personal finance by founding Reby Advisors. After more than three decades in business, his vision and the firm’s mission remain the same: to inspire people to achieve financial peace of mind.

Wealth is More Than Money

Do you have a financial plan for your future?

Have you made goals for your investment strategies?

What are your hopes and dreams for retirement?

Drawing on over twenty years of experience as a Certified Financial Planner, author Bob Reby explores the idea that wealth means different things to different people. Your health, relationships, and family are all components of wealth, and your financial plan should be in line with those values.

My Thoughts

I think this is the first book on the subject of financial planning that I have ever reviewed on this blog. I wish I had read this book AND TAKEN ACTION on managing my finances many years ago. However, it is never too late to educate myself on financial matters that will provide freedom and peace of mind in future days.

A financial plan is unique to each individual. It is based on that person's goals for the future. A large portion of this book is dedicated to retirement planning. How can you live the lifestyle that you want without running out of money?

Mr. Reby is a financial planner and highly recommends the use of a professional adviser to keep you on track with your financial goals.  He believes that "wealth redefined means that we should strive to achieve the right balance in our lives that also takes into consideration whether we're spending our time and our money on the right things."

Mr. Reby explains exactly how to go about choosing the best financial planner for your situation. He offers information about the right kind of insurance and how to avoid paying unnecessary taxes.

The author believes the most critical financial risk facing investors today is behavioral risk. That means people who make unwise investment decisions based on FEAR and GREED.  There is an entire chapter dedicated on how to avoid investment mistakes that will shipwreck your future.

As a novice investor, I found this book very helpful. The information is presented in an understandable manner and many examples and case studies are provided. This book has encouraged me to read and study and learn more on this important topic. 

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. I will reply to all questions and remarks.

FYI - I received a digital review copy of this book from Net Galley.

Book Review: Is This Seat Taken? by Kristin Kaufman

ONE WORD BOOK REVIEW: REASSURANCE

 Is This Seat Taken?: It's Never Too Late to Find the  Right Seat

 Author: Kristin S. Kaufman

 Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

Publication Date: January 13, 2015

Print Length: 145 Pages

About The Author
Kristin S. Kaufman is the founder of Alignment, Inc., formed in 2007 to serve
individuals, corporations, boards of directors and nonprofits in finding alignment
within themselves and their organizations.

Hope, Encouragement and Reassurance
"Now, what am I going to do?!"

This book is for those individuals who have come to a fork in the road, taken a path, and found themselves twenty to thirty years later in a place they didn't quite recognize.

Ms. Kaufman has written fifteen short biographies of men and women who have found success after the age of 50. Some of those included in this book are: 

• Laura Ingalls Wilder (Writer)
• Anna Mary Robertson (Grandma Moses)
• Harland Sanders (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
• Ray Kroc (McDonald's)
• Ninfa Laurenzo (Ninfa's Mexican Restaurants)
• Bill Wilson (Alcoholics Anonymous)

Each chapter ends with a series of "Alignment Lessons" that highlight the life lessons that can be learned from the subject of the biography.

"Let's face it: everyone on this planet is aging. The universal law is that we are in a constant, never-ending state of entropy. However, the comforting lesson is that our human spirit, our life force, does not age. Despite the ongoing phenomenon of our bodies' aging, our spirits continue to grow, expand, and evolve. There is such power in knowing and embracing this fact. As long as we have breath, we have the ability to contribute and to make an impact on the world". 

My Thoughts 
I love to read biographies of successful people. The stories in this book are brief and accentuate the highlights in the lives of these late bloomers. I read this book in a couple of sessions and enjoyed every minute. 

The American population is aging and many people will be looking forward to retirement. This book will inspire and motivate people to think about their options and keep moving forward. 

I highly recommend this book to people who are facing a fork in the road. It is never too late to reach for the stars.

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley to read and review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below. 

Book Review: The Big Lie by Dr. Roy Ackerman

The Big Lie: The Effects and Truths of The Great Recession & Wages in America

Author: Roy A. Ackerman PhD, EA

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Date: December 26, 2013

Length: 75 Pages



About The Author
Dr. Ackerman is a polymath, whose interests span chemical engineering, medicine, biotechnology, business, management and more.

We Want The Truth...and Nothing But the Truth
What is going on with the economy?

Is the American Dream still a alive?

What is the future of the middle class?

Will my retirement years really be golden?

These are just a few of the questions that Dr. Roy Ackerman writes about in this book. He shares his extensive research and personal thoughts about the American economy, government policies and the future of the middle class.

The following facts are presented and elaborated on in this book:

• Baby boomers will NOT have the secure and prosperous retirement that they were planning for.
• The American dream no longer works.
• The rich in America are getting richer at the expense of the poor and the middle class.

The author believes the economic recession that the United States has experienced over the past several years will have dire consequences on the future lifestyles of middle class Americans.

Government policies and tax laws are making the rich much richer at the expense of the middle class. Dr. Ackerman provides detailed research that supports his thoughts on big business, the economy and how these policies are changing life in America.

Knowledge is power. This book provides valuable information and insight.

My Thoughts
I have to admit that I am pretty ignorant about the subjects covered in this book. It is just easier not to think about the economy, taxes, the recession..., right?

This short book offers an understandable overview of the economic future of our country. I truly believe that information is power and all Americans should take the time to educate themselves about what is going on.

You can read this book in an hour or so and have a new understanding about the world around you. If you are like me, you will have more questions that will lead to further reading and research. That is a good thing. It is time for Americans to WAKE UP and get a grip on the new reality.

The content in this book is excellent but the editing and formatting for the Kindle edition could use some work.

MY RATING: 4 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I purchased a Kindle edition of this book with my own funds.

If you found this book review helpful, please rate the review on Amazon.Com.

You thoughts are appreciated in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Everyone Can Be A Millionaire by Steve Swanson

Everyone Can Be A Millionaire...How To Create Wealth Over Time...Free Copyrighted Retirement Planning Calculator included with every book purchased!

Author: Steve Swanson

Publisher: eBook Publishers Company

Date: December 26, 2012

Guest Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas


About the Author
Swanson was born in 1958. For 30 years he has been working in the banking business and currently is employed as a Bank President. He has been studying personal finance for all of his adult life and was a finalist in Money Magazine's one and only Personal Finance Manager of the year contest in 1994.
In 2012, Mr. Swanson formed eBook Publishers Company.

Financial Planning For Beginners
In this easy-to-understand book, Steve Swanson gives you the steps you need to become a millionaire over a long period of time. These techniques are designed to help you retire comfortably.

Mr. Swanson has personally used these techniques with his wife for the last 30 years. He gives personal examples and unbiased thoughts and also encourages the reader to do his own research.

This book is written with easy-to-read vocabulary for those new to financial planning. The author touches on: budgeting, debt reduction, emergency funds, reserves, 401(k), stocks, the withdrawal stage, and more. There is also the added bonus of a Retirement Calculator and a Budget Worksheet included for your use.

My Thoughts
I thought this 50-page book was a great introduction to financial planning. I have little knowledge in this area and had no problems following it. I definitely would like to try these techniques. I also like that Mr. Swanson relates on a personal level.

I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an easy-to-understand overview of financial planning. This book is a good place to start.

My Rating: 4 Stars Out Of 5
 

Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.

 

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Book Review: Thrown Into Transition

Thrown Into Transition (My Life's Adventure)

Author: Peggy Lee Hanson

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services (July 17, 2012)



About The Author
Peggy Lee Hanson was thrown into the world of transition when Delta Airlines first merged with Northwest Airlines in 2009. She has since become an expert at helping others experiencing loss of any proportion, mentoring and guiding them through their journey with proven strategies, compassion, and support.

Now What Do I Do?
The definition of transition is "movement, passage, or changing positions from one position, state, stage, subject, concept...to another."

Peggy Lee Hanson explains how she personally overcame the emotional and life-halting trauma of being forced into that unwanted position of change. She believes the best way to get through a transitional period is to look forward into the future.

Mrs. Hanson was just a few years away from retirement when she was forced into a period of transition and change. This ebook offers guidance and encouragement to those who are struggling with change in their lives.

The author believes that an unexpected change can open doors of opportunity and can be the beginning of new and rewarding endeavors. This is the time to dream of what you want and take the necessary steps to get there.

After sitting for weeks-turned-into-months I discovered the gems described in the following chapters. Once realizing I was moving forward with the dream of being my own boss, in control of my own destiny, and believing in myself, there was no stopping my progress and successes.

My Thoughts
We all have to deal with change. It seems like the older we get, the harder it is to cope with being thrown into transition.

Mrs. Hanson shares her personal story in this ebook. She explains how she took advantage of a difficult situation and decided to make her dream of being her own boss a reality. There are step-by-step instructions for working through your loss and getting started on a fresh new path in life.

Transition is a process. I highly recommend this ebook to all who are seeking a new path and a brighter future.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5


This book is being offered on Amazon as a FREE Kindle ebook TODAY!
These promotions do not last very long so grab your copy NOW.
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Book Review: Younger Next Year

I just finished reading Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge. I really like the title of this book, don't you? It is nice to think about feeling younger each year and being strong, fit and sexy until I'm 80 and beyond. Hmmmm

This is an awesome book and I think it should be required reading for anyone over 40. The authors do a great job explaining the aging process and sharing important things that will slow or even reverse this process.

The most important thing we MUST do to slow the aging process is EXERCISE. The authors advise starting with aerobic exercise for 45 minutes a day and doing it six days a week for the rest of your life. Exercise must be considered just as important as a job. I got a good laugh out of one segment in the book where the author said that men like to make excuses for not exercising. The authors are often asked why six days a week? What's wrong with three days? Or two? Or one? Isn't anything better than nothing? (Sounds like something I would ask.)

Mr. Crowley answered, "No, you silly son of a b*tch! It's not better than nothing! Or, in any case, it's so much worse than six days for men over 50 that we don't even want you to think about it. It will sap your strength and drain your willpower. It will put you on the bench. It's six days because it HAS to be. Don't argue. Did it ever occur to you to tell your boss you'd prefer working two days a week? PLEASE!"

The authors advise people to plan a "jumpstart" activitity or vacation to get motivated to exercise. This would be something like a ski trip, hiking trip, fun run or anything that is enjoyable but emphasizes the need to be physically fit. I went on a hiking trip last week that really opened my eyes to the fact that I need to be in better shape. I am now exercising harder so that my next hiking trip will be a more pleasant.

The authors suggest that each person keep a daily log (or blog?) detailing three things: 1) What I ate, 2) What I did for exercise (or didn't), and 3) what I did with my life...sexually, socially, morally...write about your passions. This log should keep a record of how you "care, connect and commit" in your life. "A daily log is a practical tool and a magical device that stands between you and the relentless thought, 'You know what? I just don't care'."

The authors share some very helpful advise about post-retirement living. Many people dream about the day when they can retire and just sit around doing nothing. Well, it doesn't work that way in real life. This book offers advise that will help you understand why you MUST have activities that you are passionate about to occupy your time.

I grabbed this book when it was offered as a free download for my Kindle. This book is truly life-changing. It is worth every penny that you do (or don't) pay for it.
The authors have written a version of this book for women, Younger Next Year for Women: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond....This book is on my "must read" list!

Ten Thousand Steps A Day

This is a picture of my pedometer.  A pedometer is an instrument worn by a walker or runner for recording the number of steps taken, thereby showing approximately the distance traveled.  I bought it at Walmart for $5.00 and I wear it everywhere I go.
My goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day.  This equals approximately five miles.  I try to walk at least a mile at a time without stopping to rest.  I would eventually like to be able to walk the full five miles without stopping.
I have never been the athletic type.  I don't expecially enjoy exercise but I know that it is something that I MUST do.  I am reading Younger Next Year: Live Strong, Fit, and Sexy - Until You're 80 and Beyond by Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge.  They are very emphatic in stating that a person who is over the age of 50 needs to commit to at least an hour of exercise a day...six days a week. They state that exercise should be your full-time job after you retire. 
I am now 57 years old.  I just watched my father die from heart disease at the age of 84.  I want to do everything in my power to avoid this fate.  Exercise is my priority.  I have two metal plates in my right leg so I can't run, jump, skip, stomp or do high impact exercise.  I have discovered plenty of things that I can do and I hope to slowly increase the amount of exercise that I do each day.
Do you believe that exercise can slow the aging process?  What is your daily exercise routine?  I hope you will share some of your exercise experiences by posting a comment on this blog.

Halftime Is The New Retirement

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29: 11

Bob Buford is the founder of Halftime, an organization designed to inspire business and professional leaders to embrace God's calling and move from success to significance.

Beyond Halftime®: Practical Wisdom for Your Second Half is the latest in a series of books that Mr. Buford has written about dedicating the second half of your life to making a difference in the world. This book is a wonderful supplement to Halftime; Moving From Success To Significance.

This book encourages you to slow down and take time to listen to that still small voice deep in your heart. One of the most important things to do in halftime is to honestly examine yourself. Beginning in midlife, many people experience some degree of weariness in their accomplishments and begin to desire "something else". Mr. Buford says that most people generally keep "dancing with the gorilla" because they don't want to leave success for something better.

What about retirement? You have worked hard and now you are looking forward to living a life of leisure. Mr. Buford says that most people become bored in less than a year of retirement. You can't make a difference in the world without a plan of action. Halftime is the new retirement.

This book is all about looking forward with hope. I was impressed and inspired by reading this book. I plan on spending some time working on the "Reflection" questions that are listed at the end of each chapter. These questions tend to force me out of my comfort zone. Change is not easy but the rewards will be great. Are you ready to start planning your halftime?

If you could start over, what would you do?

What cause, mission, or adventure is worth betting the next ten years of your life on?

If you were to make a list of fifty things to do before you die in order to leave well, what would be on the list?

Are You Ready For Halftime?

Is my work the center of my life and identity?

What is my truest purpose? My life work? My destiny?

What do I want to be remembered for?

These are some questions that Bob Buford asks in his book, Halftime®: Moving from Success to Significance® .

Do you dream about the day you can retire from your 9 to 5 job? This is a dream that can turn into a nightmare if you are not prepared. You need to be working on a plan for the halftime of your life right now.

I worked as an elementary school librarian for many years. In 2002, I had worked enough years to take an early retirement. This decision was made in haste and I had no idea what I would do with the rest of my life. My identity was connected to my job. I found myself frantically trying to get another job in a school library. I eventually learned that looking back with regrets was not the path to happiness.

This book tells you exactly how to change your way of thinking from making money for yourself (success) to making a difference in the world (significance). What does it really mean to "have it all"?

Bob Buford has chosen the following epitaph: 100X
This means "100 times". This was taken from the the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. Mr. Buford wants to be remembered as the seed that was planted in good soil and multiplied a hundredfold.

Halftime®: Moving from Success to Significance® was orginally published in 1994. This newly updated and expanded edition includes a foreword by Jim Collins, new questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter, brand new "halftime" stories of men and women enjoying a second half of significance and specific "halftime" assignments to guide readers into their second-half mission.

This book should be required reading for anyone thinking about retirement. What are you going to do with the rest of your life?