Reaching your 60s often brings a mix of emotions when it comes to money. You’ve worked hard, you’ve saved what you could, and now you’re looking ahead at retirement years that might last 20, 25, or even 30 years. The big question many of us ask is: How do I make sure my money doesn’t run out before I do?
That’s where Jane Bryant Quinn’s book, How to Make Your Money Last: The Indispensable Retirement Guide, comes in. Quinn has been writing about personal finance for decades, and she’s respected for one reason above all others — she tells the truth. She doesn’t sugarcoat, she doesn’t chase fads, and she doesn’t try to dazzle you with fancy terms. She simply lays out what works, what doesn’t, and how everyday people can make smart choices with their money.
If you’ve been searching for a straightforward guide to help you plan the financial side of your retirement, this book is worth your attention.
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What the Book Covers
The title isn’t misleading — this really is about making your money last. Quinn looks at retirement from all the critical angles:
1. Social Security
She spends time helping you understand how to get the most out of your benefits. Timing matters a lot. Claim too early and you might lock yourself into a lower income for life. Wait a little longer, and you could enjoy significantly higher monthly checks. Quinn also explains spousal strategies — important if you’re married and trying to coordinate two benefit streams.
2. Investments Made Simple
Many financial books overcomplicate investing. Quinn takes the opposite approach. She argues that most retirees don’t need complicated strategies or high-cost advisors. Instead, she explains how to build a simple, low-cost portfolio of index funds and bonds that balances growth with safety. It’s not about getting rich quick; it’s about creating stability and peace of mind.
3. Spending and Withdrawals
One of the hardest questions in retirement is: “How much can I safely spend each year?” Quinn discusses the famous “4% rule” (spending about 4% of your savings each year) and other approaches. She emphasizes flexibility — sometimes you can spend more, sometimes you need to pull back — but always with the goal of keeping your money steady through the years.
4. Annuities and Pensions
Not all annuities are bad, and not all are good. Quinn sorts through the noise, showing which annuities can provide guaranteed income worth considering, and which ones come with high fees or poor value. If you have a pension, she also helps you weigh options like lump sums versus monthly payments.
5. Housing and Healthcare
Your home is often your biggest asset — but also a big responsibility. Quinn covers downsizing, reverse mortgages, and using home equity wisely. She also deals head-on with the reality of healthcare and long-term care. These aren’t easy topics, but pretending they don’t exist is far worse.
6. Estate Planning
Finally, Quinn explains the basics of wills, trusts, and leaving money to heirs. She’s not a lawyer, but she gives you the kind of plain-language overview that makes it easier to understand what you’ll need to put in place.
Why Seniors Appreciate This Book
One of the best things about How to Make Your Money Last is that it respects the reader. Quinn knows her audience isn’t made up of Wall Street insiders. She writes for people like us — hardworking individuals and couples who want to make smart choices without being taken advantage of.
- The advice is practical. She gives steps you can actually follow.
- The tone is honest. She admits there are no magic solutions but shows what works consistently.
- The focus is safety and security. Quinn wants you to enjoy your retirement without lying awake at night worrying about money.
For many seniors, that combination of clarity and realism is exactly what’s needed.
Who Will Benefit the Most
This book is especially valuable if:
- You’re in your 60s and wondering when to claim Social Security.
- You’re worried about outliving your savings.
- You’re not sure how to invest without taking on too much risk.
- You want to understand annuities, pensions, and long-term care without being sold something.
- You simply want peace of mind knowing you have a plan that makes sense.
It may not be as helpful if you’re looking for stock-picking tips or “get rich” strategies — that’s not what this book is about. It’s about balance, sustainability, and stretching your resources for the long run.
An Honest Recommendation
I’ll be truthful: reading this book won’t solve all your financial worries overnight. No book can. But what it does is give you clarity and confidence. After going through it, you’ll feel more in control, more aware of your options, and less likely to make costly mistakes.
That’s why I believe How to Make Your Money Last is one of the most helpful retirement guides available today. It’s practical, easy to follow, and written with your best interest in mind.
Final Thoughts
If you’re over 60 and thinking seriously about financial independence and retirement security, this book is a steady companion. It won’t try to dazzle you with gimmicks — it will simply show you how to protect your income, spend wisely, and enjoy your later years with fewer money worries.
👉 Check out How to Make Your Money Last on Amazon here and see what other readers are saying.
Sometimes, the best investment you can make isn’t in stocks or bonds — it’s in the knowledge that helps you make smarter choices. Jane Bryant Quinn’s book delivers exactly that.