I recently finished reading “Your Retirement – Take Charge of It!” by Doug Nordman and felt compelled to share my thoughts. As someone who has always been interested in personal finance and retirement planning, especially for military service members and their families, this book piqued my interest. The idea of gaining financial independence before committing to full-time retirement aligned perfectly with my aspirations. Given the unique circumstances and benefits associated with military retirement, I was eager to see how the author would address these challenges.
From the outset, I found Nordman’s writing to be clear and highly relatable. His focus on helping service members in their early 40s achieve financial independence resonated with me. This book outlines essential concepts for building a sound financial plan—everything from utilizing military benefits to saving and frugal living. It includes checklists and practical examples, making it a resource that’s not just theoretical but actionable.
One major highlight is the way Nordman dives into unconventional advice about career transitions after military service. Rather than promoting the idea of immediately seeking another job, he emphasizes thorough planning and smart money management. This perspective is particularly refreshing, as many service members feel pressured to transition directly into another career post-retirement. His guidance encourages readers to explore bridge careers or even embrace semi-retirement in a way that aligns with their personal values and lifestyle choices.
However, while much of the content is commendable, I did find a couple of areas where the book could improve. Some reviewers noted that while the principles of debt elimination and investing are undoubtedly sound, they may feel repetitive after a few chapters. In my reading experience, I sensed this too. While critical, a more varied presentation could keep the momentum flowing more smoothly.
Another point worth mentioning is that although the book provides a wonderful roadmap for military retirement, the financial aspects could have been explored in greater depth for those less familiar with investing principles. A systems approach could have added layers of insight about different investment vehicles, which would have been particularly beneficial for beginners.
The significant focus on the National Guard and Reserves was a fascinating angle that I hadn’t seen in many financial resources. As Ryan Guina mentioned in his review, this specific information is valuable and somewhat niche. I, too, found that it opened my eyes to options and benefits I hadn’t previously considered, so I appreciate how Nordman extends his coverage beyond the active-duty experience.
Overall, this book met my expectations by providing a critical roadmap, filled with clear examples and actionable strategies, for anyone transitioning to retirement. It emphasizes building a sound financial house based on military benefits and individual lifestyle choices—a concept that not only aligns with military values but is also immensely practical.
In conclusion, “Your Retirement – Take Charge of It!” is a must-read for military personnel, retirees, and their families. It walks the reader through essential financial principles, with an emphasis on achieving independence and making conscious lifestyle choices. Whether you are still serving or already navigating retirement, I encourage you to give this book a read. It offers valuable insights that could fundamentally change your approach to life after military service. While there are minor areas for improvement, the overall content is enriching and worth your time, especially if you want to harness the full potential of your military benefits.