Paychecks and Playchecks: Retirement Solutions for Life Hardcover – January 1, 2011

For me, this book simply reinforced economic concepts I had already learned. But it also provided valuable new information and ways of articulating the facts. I would have liked to see a section of this book dedicated to how permanent life insurance can act as an asset replacement tool for the money used to fund a SPIA. Nevertheless, this book is full of great information.While I think everyone should read this book, I think it's even more important for financial advisors to read it. I've come across many advisors who mean well, but have been trained to advise in a way that isn't necessarily doing what's best for the client. It makes sense when you think about it... other than insurance companies, most financial institutions make the bulk of their money by collecting YOUR money. Why would they spend time and money educating you on the phase of your life when you start taking that money back?Do yourself (and maybe your clients) a favor and read this book.

I've posted several reviews on books about retiring. Almost all of those talk about similar topics, like waiting as late as possible to file for Social Security, saving as much as possible and using diverse products to protect against a variety of risks. Our financial adviser is a big proponent of life insurance products and we've talked about a variety of products like annuities, life insurance and long term care. Each of those conversations came in discrete discussions as we considered individual risks.Last week I went to a seminar about maximizing Social Security and "Pay Checks and Play Checks" was recommended as a fact-based, non-emotional book about securing your retirement. I ordered the Kindle version and just completed it. It was as billed ... a step-by-step discussion of a variety of insurance products that can work together to secure one's retirement regardless of what the financial markets do. It starts by laying out the many, many bad things that can happen and risks that exist that can result in running out of money. The beginning was not unlike what many of the more recent retirement books warn against but in this case there was more than luck that could be counted upon.Hegna then gets into a discussion of Social Security, annuities, life insurance, long term care and estate planning. He gets into enough detail to explain how the products in each of those areas can be adapted to each person's/couple's specific needs. As you see these different possibilities it opens up more questions that make you realize you need an expert's help to make these kinds of decisions. Which is what he definitely recommends.This book is great because it explains that there are things you can do to lock in a secure retirement. As is always the case, having the assets saved is critical, but Hegna points out that even those with limited resources can benefit from using these insurance products. He is so positive about the life insurance industry because of their stability (compared to banks) and because they've seen it all as they build data analysis into their design and marketing of their products.I'm extremely happy with the advice my financial adviser has given us but will continue to attend workshops and read books about these topics because the stakes are so high if the advice doesn't work out. "Pay Checks and Play Checks" has added to my learning and confidence that there is a structure and context that should be considered to confront all the risks that threaten each of our retirements.

I thought this was a fairly good introduction to annuities. However, to me, the book read a bit like a sales pitch for annuities, extolling the benefits, and not elaborating much on the downsides or bad products out there. Yes, the author does mention to be careful of some things, but does not go into much detail.One should at least be aware that the author is a former exec at NY Life, so there could be a natural tendency to be biased. I did not observe bias in terms of truthfulness of information presented, but it did feel like an annuity sales pitch read, emphasizing the benefits towards annuity products, and not covering the downsides as much. I would have liked a bit more time spent on talking about the bad products more and more about what specifically to look out for (e.g. things in the fine print).On the other side, I think he offers some compelling defense of annuities, which have gotten a bad rap from some. Some argue that they can get a much better return investing themselves, and most would be right most of the time. But, they dont factor in market fluctuations, risk of a big drop into that comparison. There is something to be said for guaranteed stable income stream in light of the volatile market, even in terms of peace of mind. Just make sure you pick a solid insurance company that has little chance of going under.All in all though, think it is a good annuity primer to get started and give a good overview.

What more can you ask from a "proven" advisor who was and still actively helps families in their quest for financial freedom? Precise, concise and very informative without all their fluff. One thing I learned, if you think you know it all...you better think again because you don't.

A good clearly written book that mostly focuses on the place for annuities as the centerpiece of your retirement income plan. Annuities don't have to be high-fee or high commission. Shop around and get a simple lifetime annuity that will pay you a set amount for life. You can't outlive it, and will come out ahead if you live a long life.

Worth reading.

Weak on current info, not for Canadians