Synopsis

Retirement and Estate Planning 101 is Book 1 of a four-part series written by Robert D. Sears, a retired Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) with decades of personal and professional insight. This accessible guide is designed to help individuals and families navigate the practical and emotional aspects of preparing for the future.

Sears demystifies essential topics such as Social Security, retirement income strategies, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—providing both foundational knowledge and heartfelt wisdom. Drawing from his own experience as a CFP® and family caregiver, he offers clear explanations, relatable stories, and compassionate guidance for planning ahead.

Written for everyday readers—not financial experts—this book empowers you to take action with confidence, whether you’re just beginning to think about retirement or revisiting plans later in life. More than a financial handbook, it’s a call to plan with love, care, and clarity.Retirement and Estate Planning 101 lays the groundwork for the rest of the series, which will explore deeper levels of legacy building, advanced planning tools, and emotional preparation for later life. Together, these four volumes offer a complete and thoughtful roadmap for securing your future and leaving a lasting legacy.