Imagine a retirement where you're not just financially secure but confident, empowered, and excited about the future. No more feeling stuck, staring at scattered puzzle pieces of "advice." Be the Bird offers a step-by-step roadmap to transform confusion into clarity, helping you protect your wealth and achieve the retirement you deserve. Finally-see your entire retirement planning puzzle come together.

"This book is a game-changer, breaking down complex topics into bite-sized, practical advice." - An Early Reader

"Clark demystifies retirement planning with straightforward guidance anyone can follow." - Verified Amazon Review

It All Started in Palo Alto in 1996

In his Portfolio Theory class at Stanford, Nobel Prize-winner Bill Sharpe shared unsettling truths about the financial advice industry that shocked me and sparked my mission to empower others. Too often, the advice people receive serves the advisor's bottom line more than the client's goals.

At The Motley Fool, I learned to make complex financial topics clear and actionable for everyday readers. Influenced by thought leaders like Pfau, Bogle, Sharpe, Kahneman, and Swedroe, I've developed a proven framework that cuts through the noise of self-serving advice to help you achieve lasting confidence in your retirement plan.

Now, as a Retirement Income Expert (CFP, RICP) managing nearly $1 billion in client assets, I'm sharing the proven strategies I've used to help people like you enjoy relaxed confidence in their financial lives.

What You'll Discover Inside (some of this is NERDY, but you'll thank me):

• Your Needs, Wants, & Wishes: Prioritize goals for clarity and peace of mind. Quantify your dreams with tools like the "4% Rule" and the "Spending Smile."
• Build Your Income Floor: Create a foundation of income that gives you "permission to spend" guilt-free. Optimize Social Security, bond and MYGA ladders, pensions, and annuities.
• Tax Strategies to Enhance Your Wealth: Defuse your "tax bomb" with Roth conversions. Optimize withdrawal order, charitable giving (DAFs vs. QCDs), HSAs, and 529s.
• Protect Your Assets from Key Risks: Address inflation, market volatility, and healthcare costs confidently. Make informed decisions on insurance and estate planning tools like trusts. Establish "buffer assets."
• Grow Your Wealth with the "Perfect Portfolio": Build a portfolio that's low-cost, tax-efficient, and diversified. Discover Warren Buffett-inspired strategies to grow your wealth.
• Navigate the Problematic Financial Advice Industry: Be your own advisor (if inclined) or make clear, controlled decisions. Avoid costly traps by understanding flawed advisor compensation schemes.
• Enjoy Relaxed Confidence in Your Financial Life: Retire to something, not from something, aligned with purpose. Overcome negativity bias and unlock lasting peace of mind.