Introduction
I have read many, many books on finance and financial planning, however this book written by Tommy L. Ruff, CLU ChFC MCEP RFC, is the most informative, educational book I have read when it comes to common sense economics. This book is a game changer.
— Andie Edwards, SW MO
Why I Wrote This Book I wrote this book for you, my fellow American. My prayer is that as you read my story, you will understand that I know firsthand the devastation one dying too soon—or living too long—can have on a family. Having served in the financial services industry for more than 40 years, I’ve uncovered important truths I want to share with you, your family, and your business should you be an owner. Chief among them is: how to create wealth and then protect it so it remains in your family or your possession. The reality is, many predators are eager for your assets—finance companies, opportunistic relatives, the government, inflation, and the fees buried in retirement accounts. Since the advent of the 401(k) and other qualified plans in the late 1970s, the financial services industry has done little to truly help people build and preserve wealth. Instead, they’ve shifted risks onto families. Today, we are entering new and uncertain territory—not only in taxes and inflation, but also with technology and artificial intelligence (AI). While today’s historically low tax brackets remain in place, the greatest threats to retirement savings are inflation and the disruptive impact of AI. Consider this: inflation has averaged about 3% annually over the past 25 years. At that rate, if a family’s monthly expenses are $4,600 today, in just ten years those expenses will rise to $6,182. Add to that the wave of Baby
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