This book won't waste your time. It explains the fundamentals leading to investment success while avoiding the all-too-common "e;dumbed-down"e; information that just tells readers what they already know. Sophisticated concepts like "e;marked-to-market"e; and "e;the snapback phenomenon"e; and "e;Modern Portfolio Theory"e; are some of the book's themes that can lead to confidence and success as investors. For retirees, the book's purpose is to provide a do-it-yourself course of action allowing for an "e;end-run"e; around the financial services industry with the latter's excessive costs --- costs that eat up what could otherwise have been more retirement income. Knowing how to effectively self-manage assets and implement a mix of cost-effective investments is a critical skill for retirees. Understanding and applying some simple basics will deliver the most on-going income while still combating the disasterous effects of inflation.