Summary of J.L. Edwards's Retire Not Expire

Book excerpt: Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 A 401(k) is not a retirement plan. It is a defined contribution plan that allows you to invest a portion of your salary using pre-tax money. The amount you can contribute is determined by the IRS each year. If you contribute consistently and the stock market performs well, your account balance can grow into the seven-figure range. But if you don't, your account balance will be considerably less than seven figures. #2 A defined benefit program is a true retirement benefit. It is designed to pay you an amount based on a set formula that includes your age at retirement, your total years of service and your final average salary. It is a lifetime benefit. #3 My grandparents, despite being slightly better off, still struggled to make ends meet because they had no pensions and invested all their money in materialistic things for their wives. #4 My mother, who was raised by a single mother, was able to retire at age 55 after working for 30 years, thanks to the lessons she learned from her grandmother. She invested her money in blue chip companies and bought precious metals.