Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement Book Review | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney’s Practical Guide to Financial Freedom

Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement Book Review | Cody Garrett & Sean Mullaney’s Practical Guide to Financial Freedom

Authors: Cody Garrett, Sean Mullaney
Genres: Personal Finance, Retirement Planning, Tax Strategy
Publication Date: September 22, 2025
Format: Paperback • 352 pages

Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement book review begins with an important reminder: saving enough to retire early is only half the equation—keeping more of what is earned through smart tax moves is the other. In this hands-on guide, financial planners Cody Garrett and Sean Mullaney turn complex tax laws into clear, actionable strategies for anyone pursuing financial independence.

Overview

Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement offers a roadmap that extends beyond accumulation. It focuses on tax-efficient withdrawal sequencing, Roth conversions, healthcare subsidies, charitable giving, and legacy planning—all framed for early retirees who may stop working long before traditional retirement age. Garrett and Mullaney, both known for their educational work in the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) community, bring expertise and approachability to an often intimidating topic.

Writing Style & Structure

The writing is refreshingly accessible for a finance book. The authors use plain language, charts, and real-life case studies to break down IRS jargon. Each chapter ends with “Decision Points,” helping readers apply lessons to their own situations. This is not a tax textbook—it’s a planning companion that balances depth with readability.

Key Topics & Lessons

• Withdrawal Strategy: How to optimize the order of withdrawals from taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts.
• Roth Conversion Windows: Using low-income years to convert efficiently before RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions).
• Healthcare Planning: Navigating ACA subsidies, HSAs, and health coverage gaps in early retirement.
• Tax Diversification: Building flexibility across multiple account types to manage future uncertainty.
• Charitable Giving: Smart ways to give while lowering taxable income through QCDs and donor-advised funds.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths: clear actionable examples, tailored for FIRE-minded readers, deeply researched but easy to follow, integrates financial psychology with technical know-how.
Weaknesses: heavy U.S. tax focus (less relevant internationally), may feel advanced for beginners unfamiliar with tax concepts.

Reader Response

On Goodreads, early readers praise its “real-world clarity” and “life-changing explanations of Roth conversions.” Amazon reviewers highlight it as the most comprehensive yet readable tax guide for early retirees, calling it “a must-have alongside The Simple Path to Wealth.”

Critical Reception

Morningstar and CNBC commentators have commended the book’s pragmatic approach, noting that it “bridges the gap between DIY FIRE strategies and professional financial planning.” Forbes adds that the co-authors “turn complex code into confident decision-making tools.”

Target Audience

Best suited for early retirees, high savers, and those pursuing financial independence who want to avoid overpaying the IRS. It’s also valuable for financial advisors who work with clients navigating nontraditional retirement timelines.

Author Context

Cody Garrett is a Certified Financial Planner and educator known for simplifying personal finance through his platform, Measure Twice Money. Sean Mullaney, also a CFP and CPA, runs the FI Tax Guy blog and specializes in retirement tax optimization. Together, they deliver credibility and clarity rooted in hands-on experience.

Verdict

Tax Planning To and Through Early Retirement is a masterclass in how thoughtful tax strategy can add decades of flexibility to your financial life. Clear, credible, and empowering, it’s one of the most useful personal finance books of 2025. Final Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)

Further Reading

Learn more about smart retirement strategies at Morningstar, Forbes Advisor, and CNBC Retirement.

Related Reviews

Explore similar financial planning titles like The Art of Spending Money, The Preparation, and track financial reads using our Reading Tracker.