What people have to say about Steve’s books.

“When you retire, or are planning to retire, there’s just one thing you need to know: Can you make your savings last as long as you will? Steve Vernon helps you answer that question—putting you on track to financial security for life.”

Jane Bryant Quinn
author of How to Make Your Money Last: The Indispensable Retirement Guide

“This is exactly what every pre-retiree needs—a simple framework for planning and maximizing your retirement income, within a structure that takes away much of the financial worry so you can relax and enjoy this next stage of life.”

Terry Savage
author of The Savage Truth on Money and a nationally syndicated financial columnist

“Retirement shouldn’t be about fiddling with spreadsheets or staying glued to CNBC. Don’t Go Broke in Retirement teaches how to construct a solid financial plan for retirement in a straightforward, easy-to-implement way. This elegant volume gets right to the point so retirees can get on with their lives.”

Christine Benz
director of personal finance and a senior columnist for Morningstar Inc.

“This valuable volume explains how middle-income households can make their retirement savings last the rest of their lives. It’s written in clear English by a real expert, and the approach is simple. Buy the book, read it, and enjoy the security of knowing you won’t go broke in retirement.”

Alicia Munnell
Peter F. Drucker Professor of Management Sciences and director of the Center for Retirement Research, Boston College

“Whether in life or with one’s finances, simple solutions are almost always superior. In his new book, Steve Vernon explains with brilliant simplicity how to worry less about money and enjoy life more.”

Allan Roth
AARP Money contributor and author of How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street

“Steve Vernon’s Don’t Go Broke in Retirement is a well-written, smart book that really does offer a simple plan for building lifetime retirement income. The examples and key takeaways are based on a sound strategy and given with common sense to reinforce the average person’s own experience plus help them achieve security and success by not going broke. Vernon’s expertise, coupled with practical suggestions, provides real solutions.”

M. Cindy Hounsell
president of the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER)

“Steve Vernon does a masterful job explaining a simple approach toward building a retirement income plan that anyone can master. Despite the simplicity, his approach is actually very close to how academics solve the retirement problem using more sophisticated theory: Build a base of lifetime income that you cannot outlive to cover your basics and then supplement this with additional spending from what remains. Job well done.”

Wade D. Pfau, PhD, CFA, RICP
director of the Retirement Income Certified Professional program at The American College of Financial Services and founder of RetirementResearcher.com

“The most complicated financial decision folks have to make regarding their retirement security is made easy by Steve Vernon. By empowering folks with the Spend Safely in Retirement Strategy, anyone willing to invest a few hours of their time will enjoy 25+ years of additional retirement security. An easy read that’s empowering through easy-to-understand financial decision-making processes for all near retirees, financial experts, and retirement plan sponsors thinking about retirement income for their 401(k) plan.”

Robert Melia
executive director of the Institutional Retirement Income Council

“Steve Vernon has a gift for sorting through the clutter on retirement advice and focusing on the things that matter most. This time, he offers up valuable, step-by-step help on two of the most important determinants of retirement security: how to get the most from Social Security and how to structure your savings to generate a regular paycheck in retirement. Don’t Go Broke in Retirement is must reading if you’re trying to decide when to retire and how you’ll replace your paycheck after you quit work.”

Mark Miller
retirement journalist, author, and podcaster

“Some of the most important decisions that middle-income families must make are when to retire, when to claim Social Security, and how to use their savings in retirement. Don’t Go Broke in Retirement offers a practical, straightforward approach to setting up a retirement income plan tailored to the needs of typical middle-income Americans. This approach allows customization for several of the most common household situations.”

Anna M. Rappaport, FSA, MAAA
past president of the Society of Actuaries, internationally known retirement expert, and a phased retiree

“For most middle-class American workers, the ability to earn a paycheck is their most important “asset.” However, many, perhaps most, are unprepared for decision-making as they transition into and throughout retirement. Don’t Go Broke in Retirement offers guidance for creating ‘paycheck insurance’ once wage income ends. Steve Vernon’s guidance may help you minimize the chances you’ll experience ‘buyer’s remorse’ with respect to your retirement income decision-making.”

Jack Towarnicky
researcher for the American Retirement Association and past executive director of the Plan Sponsor Council of America

“Steve Vernon is an expert about financial security in retirement; there’s no doubt about that. Equally as important, though, is that his book explains, in plain English, the complex decisions needed for a secure retirement, and it’s written in a practical, implementable way. I think it will really help people.”

Fred Reish
partner and leader, Financial Services ERISA Practice Team, Faegre Drinker, member of the Certified Financial Planner Board Public Policy Council

Retirement Game-Changers is the single best collection of actionable advice I’ve read on retirement. Steve Vernon’s brilliance is apparent in his ability to take retirement subjects that are typically communicated with mind-numbing complexity and drill the critical points down to something easy to understand.”

Allan Roth
AARP Money contributor and author of How a Second Grader Beats Wall Street

Retirement Game-Changers will help you navigate what could be the most fulfilling—or the most challenging—years of your life. In an engaging, thoughtful way, Steve Vernon offers detailed, practical advice on how to set realistic goals and achieve financial security, but he gives equal weight to your ‘social portfolio’ and how lifestyle decisions can shape a joyful, productive and comfortable retirement. Vernon’s ‘action steps’ that wrap up each chapter are worth the price of admission alone—and the retirement tips from his dog are priceless.”

Rick Smith
former Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek

Retirement Game-Changers is a terrific resource to help older workers make critical decisions to maximize the vast array of new opportunities brought about by the longevity revolution.”

Ken Dychtwald, PhD
author of A New Purpose: Redefining Money, Family, Work, Retirement and Success

“Steve Vernon knocks it out of the park with his new book, Retirement Game-Changers. His detailed research and positive approach make the daunting notion of navigating the challenges many boomers will tackle in the years ahead, well, manageable. He guides you through simple strategies to help you face the fear of outliving savings and worries about an uncertain economy, paying for medical bills, and finding ways to continue to work in some fashion as a pillar of a retirement plan. But this is far more than a book about your wealth. Steve also offers rich advice on ways to boost your health and well-being that will give you the confidence to navigate the next chapter of your life with a smart plan and a can-do spirit.”

Kerry Hannon
New York Times columnist and author of Great Jobs for Everyone 50+

“Steve Vernon is back, and he’s done it again, better than ever! As always, he gets retirement planning right: putting your money in service to your life, not the other way around. I’ve studied Social Security for 41 years, but I learn still more in five minutes from Steve’s fresh viewpoint.”

Andy Landis
author of Social Security: The Inside Story

“This comprehensive guide is packed with expert insights, real-life stories, practical tips, pitfalls to avoid, and helpful resources. Retirement Game-Changers is a book I will use to plan my own retirement.”

Catherine Collinson
CEO and President of Transamerica Institute and Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, and Executive Director of Aegon Center for Longevity and Retirement

“Longer life expectancies are in so many ways a ‘good news’ story. But many retirees are reasonably concerned about outliving their money. Retirement Game-Changers provides concrete strategies for financial stability and sustainability in retirement. The book also weaves in valuable perspectives on other aspects of retirement wellness. It’s an all-too-rare guide to living well in retirement that’s truly holistic.”

Christine Benz
Director of Personal Finance, Morningstar, and author of 30 Minute Money Solutions

“Steve Vernon has an uncanny ability to distill the best practices from complex research about retirement income planning into practical and usable advice for those seeking to position their assets for better retirement outcomes. His new book includes unbiased coverage of various retirement income tools, as well as further insights on the non-financial aspects of enjoying a successful and productive retirement.”

Wade Pfau, PhD, CFA
Professor of Retirement Income at The American College and Founder of RetirementResearcher.com

Retirement Game-Changers is a must-read for those wanting to create a comprehensive plan for their future. It’s about money and much more. This unique book helps individuals get ready to plan the rest of their lives, integrating the financial and important non-financial considerations of the retirement experience. It’s a winner!”

Helen Dennis
columnist, author and lecturer on aging and the new retirement, co-author of Project Renewment: The First Retirement Model for Career Women

Retirement Game-Changers provides essential information and a wealth of resources to help older workers (or their children) navigate the financial, health and social aging systems. Steve Vernon’s practical guide offers a positive path to a longer life, and both women and men will benefit from his guidance.”

M. Cindy Hounsell
President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement

Retirement Game-Changers tackles a critical planning issue facing many Americans—their rising and unknown longevity. The sections on retirement income and Social Security alone are worth the price of admission, but there’s so much more. There’s no one better equipped to help people navigate these challenges than Steve Vernon.”

Mark Miller
Reuters columnist, author of Jolt: Stories of Trauma and Transformation

“This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking advice to plan for retirement. Steve Vernon offers practical and sensible advice on everything from investing for retirement to choosing the best place to live, with plenty of helpful hints along the way.”

Richard Eisenberg
Managing Editor, NextAvenue.org

Retirement Game-Changers is a great book for people thinking about their own retirement and for people who are helping parents and friends. Steve Vernon is a practical, down-to-earth writer, who brings expertise from his years of consulting for employee benefit plans, retirement education and personal experience. I recommend that people start using it about 10 years before retirement age.”

Anna M. Rappaport, FSA, MAAA, Past-President of Society of Actuaries, internationally known retirement expert and phased retiree

“Steve Vernon’s easy-to-read Retirement Game-Changers provides wisdom about the many ways retirees and pre-retirees can make smart choices about money, health and social engagement to build the retirement you want.”

Kathy Kristof
Editor of SideHusl.com

“As the only canine to ever break the species barrier and receive a crystal plaque from the Consumers’ Research Council of America as one of America’s Top Financial Planners, I know great financial advice and this book offers it cover to cover. Finally, a book that offers common sense advice from your dog that will be invaluable. A two-paws up rating wasn’t enough so I rolled on my back to give it a four-paws up (and get a belly rub). I would encourage all my fellow dogs to get their humans to read this book. The sooner they can retire the sooner they can spend more time with you.”

Max Tailwag’er
Allan Roth’s dachshund puppy

“Savvy guidance for some of the most crucial financial decisions you’ll ever face. Money for Life can help make sure your retirement nest egg lasts as long as you do.”

Jon Peterson
author of Social Security for Dummies

“If you don’t have a traditional pension and you don’t want to outlive your assets, then put Money for Life on your “must read” list. Steve Vernon’s book will help you learn how to convert the assets in your various retirement accounts into a paycheck, into money for life”

Robert Powell
Editor, MarketWatch’s Retirement Weekly

“The decline of traditional pensions and the reliance on IRAs and 401(k) accounts means that growing numbers of Americans will face a major challenge receiving enough income in retirement. Steve Vernon offers answers in this book, with sensible, specific advice on a range of ways to pay yourself in retirement.”

Mark Miller
retirement columnist and author of The Hard Times Guide to Retirement Security.

“As defined contribution plans and IRAs become an increasingly important part of retirement wealth in this country, it is essential that today’s workers understand the various techniques available to convert the account balances to retirement income.

Steve Vernon has done a magnificent job of drawing together in one authoritative source the benefits and potential limitations of the various strategies that should be considered by individuals.

Having taught university courses in retirement planning at the undergraduate and graduate level for 28 years, it would have been a delight to have this type of material as one of the required readings. Benefit managers will find this material extremely useful with respect to the explanation of the behavioral challenges facing their employees and the common misconceptions that need to be dispelled to assist in the decision making process.”

Jack VanDerhei
research director Employee Benefit Research Institute, editor Benefits Quarterly

“Today’s retirees and pre-retirees face multiple challenges, including low interest rates, volatile equity markets, and the logistical headaches of turning an investment portfolio into a stream of income that will last for the rest of their lives. Money for Life confronts those challenges head-on, using clear examples and straightforward language to coach retirees and pre-retirees on generating the income they need without taking extreme risks. It’s a valuable bookshelf addition for retirees seeking guidance on crafting a financial plan they can live with for many years.”

Christine Benz
Director of Personal Finance, Morningstar, and author of 30-Minute Money Solutions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Finances

“This is a great book. As an actuary, I have been very concerned that many people do not understand the importance of regular lifetime income, the risk of running out of money, and the options for creating lifetime income. The decision involves trade-offs, long term issues, and working with a range of solutions that are not easy for the average person to understand or implement. Steve Vernon has done a wonderful job of explaining the options, providing information on implementation, and cautioning about more expensive options.”

Anna M. Rappaport, F.S.A., M.A.A.A.
Chair, Society of Actuaries Committee on Post-Retirement Needs and Risks, and Past President, Society of Actuaries

Money for Life is for retirees and pre-retirees who have a real danger of running out of money in retirement. Steve’s approach addresses the insufficiency of using only a systematic withdrawal method for people with average retirement savings, where managing for retirement specific risks must take precedence over investing strategy. Thank you for providing this actionable approach to help people make informed retirement income decisions!”

Betty Meredith, CFA®, CFP®, CRC®
International Retirement Resource Center

“How will you pay your bills in retirement—especially if you live a long, healthy life? Steve Vernon’s amazing Money for Life provides the answers you need.

Steve shares a lifetime of financial expertise in plain, easy-to-read English. Learn how to build your RIGs (Retirement Income Generators) to last, and never worry again about out-living your money. Follow Steve’s Five-Step System to financial peace of mind. Anyone wondering how to convert a retirement nest egg into a lifetime stream of paychecks needs this book!”

Andy Landis
author of Social Security: The Inside Story, and When I Retire

Steve’s book asks and answers three critical questions:
When can I retire? How much do I need? How do I make it last for my lifetime . . . 20 years, 30 years or more? The book is easy to read and practical. And, importantly, Steve has the experience to be authoritative . . . and brings an unbiased, problem-solving approach to the reader.

Fred Reish
partner at Drinker Biddle & Reath, chair of their ERISA Team for the Financial Services Industry

“Steve Vernon’s Money for Life is a terrific resource for those of us who are looking for information and guidance to help us manage our 401(k) and IRA money to last for the next twenty or thirty years. Vernon, an actuary, provides a step-by-step retirement strategy to help figure it out. Even if you have a financial planner, you need to know enough to navigate through the complicated choices that will have to be made to create a retirement paycheck. Women, in particular, need to pay close attention to Money for Life as they are most vulnerable to longevity risks and running out of money.”

Cindy Hounsell
President, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, (WISER)

Money for Life is an excellent primer to help you prepare a well-thought-out retirement plan. Vernon touches all the right bases, making sure that you ask the right questions including: How much money do you need in retirement? How can you generate reliable income from your retirement savings that lasts for the rest of your life? When should your retire? He not only asks the questions, he teaches you how to find the best solutions, given your own unique situation. If you’re looking for cookie cutter solutions, you won’t find them here. But you will learn how to find the solution that works best for you. Vernon will show you how to carefully plan for retirement.”

Larry Swedroe
Principal and Director of Research for the Buckingham Family of Financial Services,
and author of Investment Mistakes Even Smart People Make and How to Avoid Them

Money for Life is consumer-focused and deserves to be widely read. It provides a balanced discussion of systematic withdrawals, annuities, or some combination, without a sales pitch for either approach.”

Francois Gadenne
Chairman and Executive Director, Retirement Income Industry Association (RIIA)

“The simple strategies in Recession-Proof Your Retirement Years convert a very scary subject – retirement planning – to a program that is both easy to understand and implement.  If you’re worried and anxious about your retirement years, read and follow the methods outlined in this book, and you’ll have the peace of mind to focus on what’s really important for the rest of your life.”

Dr. Somnath Basu
Director California Institute of Finance California Lutheran University

“Looking for a retirement guidebook that gives sound advice with no axe to grind or sales to close?  Look no further. Steve Vernon’s Recession-Proof Your Retirement gives you an expert’s background and knowledge in plain, simple-to-read English.  Steve’s positive, can-do approach is energizing.  And who can resist his exercises and “Top-10″ lists?  This is a great starting point for anyone planning retirement, especially in these uncertain times.”

Andy Landis
Benefits Education Manager, Weyerhaeuser Company, and author of “Social Security: The Inside Story”

“I highly recommend The Quest DVD and workbook as a cost-effective way for any employer who wants to present retirement and life planning assistance to their employees.”

Sally Hass
Benefits Education Manager, Weyerhaeuser Company

“I recommend The Quest DVD to any individual who is getting ready to retire in the next ten years, and to organizations who have employees retiring within the next 10 years. It is a great benefit at a very reasonable cost.”

Patti Bennett
Manager, Employee Services/Benefits, Huntington Memorial Hospital

“Read this fabulous book and take its sound and clear advice to heart. It will enlighten and enliven you while giving you the best advice available from a consummate professional in the field.”

Lynne Twist
author of The Soul of Money

“Steve Vernon offers a toolbox of wise and appropriate strategies for living and retiring in today’s uncertain world. Follow Steve’s integrated vision of where you should be heading as you plan your future–you’ll be glad you did!”

Lois A. Vitt, Ph.D
author of10 Secrets to Successful Home Buying and Selling

…so the key to a happy old age is to start thinking and acting differently right now. Vernon wrote a terrific book about this, Live Long & Prosper!

Anne Fisher
Fortune Magazine

“We read the latest personal-finance books so you don’t have to. …here are executive summaries of six money books that we found worthwhile.”

Consumer Reports Money Advisor
talking about Live Long & Prosper!

Read more about Steve’s Books and DVDs