Build the foundation
The paycheck split; debt payoff strategies; and a worked comparison of snowball versus avalanche. Then measure the retirement gap and understand inflation and real returns.
The companion to the free Planner
The After the Paycheck Field Guide
A plain-English guide to the retirement decisions that matter—and a practical way to put the numbers to work.
$19one-time · digital download
31 chapters. One clearer retirement picture.
The Field Guide explains the ideas behind the numbers; the free Planner helps you apply them to your own situation.
What’s inside
From this paycheck to retirement income.
The guide moves from the choices in front of you today to the decisions that shape income, risk, and flexibility in retirement.
Turn savings into income
Safe withdrawal rates; the history of the 4% rule through Bengen, Trinity, and SAFEMAX; sequence-of-returns risk; Monte Carlo simulations; and Guyton–Klinger guardrails.
Make the plan livable
Social Security timing; pensions; taxes, accounts, and required distributions; longevity and annuities; cash buckets, bond tents, glide paths; and a one-page operating system.
- A healthcare chapter covering Medicare, IRMAA, and long-term care costs
- A printable “My Numbers” worksheet
- A seven-day quick start
- A glossary for unfamiliar terms
Who it’s for
For people 50+ who want a clear way in.
This guide is for people approaching retirement who want the important ideas explained in plain English—without needing a finance background first.
It is designed to help you understand the trade-offs, organize your numbers, and ask better questions before making decisions that affect real money.
Important: The Field Guide is educational. It is not a financial advisor and does not provide individualized financial, tax, legal, or investment advice.
Guide + Planner
The book teaches the why. The Planner runs your numbers.
Field Guide
Understand the concepts, history, trade-offs, and practical steps behind a retirement plan.
Free Planner
Enter your numbers to compare debt strategies, Social Security timing, the retirement gap, sequence risk, and guardrails.
One-time purchase
The complete Field Guide
Get all 31 chapters, the healthcare chapter, printable My Numbers worksheet, seven-day quick start, and glossary as a digital download.
$19one-timeBuy the Field Guide
Frequently asked questions
Is the Planner really free?
Yes. The After the Paycheck Planner is free to use.
What format is the Guide?
It is a digital download.
I’m already retired. Is it still useful?
Yes. The guardrails, Social Security, required minimum distribution, and healthcare chapters apply in retirement.