Independently Wealthy: How to Build Financial Security in the New Economic Era

The rules for planning a financially secure future are changing. In Independently Wealthy, Robert Goodman, P.h.D., one of the mutual fund industry's foremost economic commentators, asserts that a new economic era is upon us and the national debate on the sweeping changes it will bring has already begun. As this transformation takes root within the tax system and seriously scales back federal retirement income and health-care programs, Uncle Sam will cease to be the major provider, forcing Americans to find alternative ways to provide their own financial security.

Unless you take the right steps today, Putnam Investments' senior economic advisor tells his audiences all over the country, you may face a bleak financial future. Now, in Independently Wealthy, Dr. Goodman has put his compelling message into print. In the same down-to-earth, no-nonsense style he uses in person, he tells you why you must take control of your own financial future: no one else is going to do it for you.

Rather than viewing these trends darkly, Dr. Goodman sees them as opportunities. The good news, he says, is that while the government will end or sharply reduce current programs, employers are increasingly shifting from defined-benefit pension plans to such programs as 401(k) and profit-sharing plans that allow employees to make their own decisions about how much to invest and where to invest it. This will give you control over your own financial destiny.

In Independently Wealthy, Dr. Goodman reviews the economic and political events leading to today's situation. Then he outlines the future's challenges. With that discussion as background, he tells you how much wealth you must accumulate to become financially independent (it may be more than you expected). In addition, he shows you some ways, by which you can achieve the goal (the task may be less formidable than you think).

Dr. Goodman tells you why in these increasingly complex times you need a financial advisor—and tells you how to find the right one. He explains the importance of a rock-solid financial plan and provides some time-tested strategies for executing one. Finally, he gives you ten rules to follow as you work your way toward financial independence.

Dear Fellow Member Owner.

This book is a practical guide that can assist you and your family in your personal investment and retirement planning.

The HON Company sponsors two major plans to help you accumulate funds for your investment and retirement planning. We receive stock through the HON Members Company Ownership Plan (ESOP), and we can also purchase HON stock on favorable terms through the Members Stock Purchase Plan. In addition, all non-bargaining unit Members are eligible for HON INDUSTRIES Inc. Profit-Sharing Retirement Plan.

Hopefully, this book will give you a better understanding of our country's economic conditions and help you to make sound decisions about investment and retirement planning to prepare for your financial future.

Sincerely,

George Koenigsaecker

President

The HON Company

ROBERT GOODMAN, Ph.D., has been the Managing Director, Senior Economic Advisor at Putnam Investments since 1989. His experience also includes working at such major investment and brokerage houses as J.&W. Seligman & Co., Citibank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He is a frequent guest on radio programs and television shows, and has made numerous appearances on CNN and CNBC.