Brad Breeding Releases Newest Book: Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning

For many older adults and their families, the search for the right retirement living arrangement can feel overwhelming. The choices are numerous, the terminology can be confusing, and the stakes are high … after all, your home and care situation will impact nearly every aspect of your long-term wellbeing.

Recognizing this, myLifeSite president Brad Breeding, CFP®, has released his new book, “Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning.” This newest book, a thoroughly updated and expanded edition of Brad’s highly regarded book “What’s The Deal With Retirement Communities,” serves as a clear, approachable guide for anyone beginning to explore where and how they want to live during their retirement years.

Whether you’re considering a move to a retirement community or hoping to stay in the home you love, Brad’s senior living industry expertise helps you understand your options, ask the right questions, and plan ahead with confidence.

What senior living industry experts are saying about “Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning”

“… Perhaps the most thorough and current explanation of the topic. Easy to understand in simple-to-follow chapters. If you have aging parents, or are starting to think about your own future options, this is a great place to start.”

— Jesse Slome, Director
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance

“Brad Breeding strikes the perfect balance between providing an exceptionally comprehensive overview of retirement communities and making the material accessible and easy to understand…”

— Chris McLeod
Director (Retired) Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning (OLLI) at Duke University

“… What I appreciate most about Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning is that it’s grounded in reality, not sales talk. Brad genuinely wants readers to make confident, informed choices that align with their goals, values, and financial situation.”

— Dr. Nikki Buckelew, Ph.D., CSHP, CSDC
Co-Founder and CEO, Seniors Real Estate Institute (SREI)

A trusted resource updated for today’s retirement landscape

Much has changed in the world of retirement living over the past several years. New models of care have emerged, long-term care costs have shifted, and older adults are increasingly seeking environments that offer not just care but connection, purpose, and security. This updated edition of Brad’s book responds to the most common and most pressing questions Brad has received from senior living prospects and their adult children as he presents at retirement communities across the country.

Written in a straightforward, conversational style, “Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning” serves as a first-step resource, offering unbiased insights and practical explanations. Readers will find that complex topics become manageable, and the book’s clear structure makes it easy to refer back to as your research progresses.

Clarifying what matters most

One of the strongest themes of Brad’s book is the importance of planning ahead. Many people wait until a serious health event forces an urgent decision, limiting their choices and increasing stress for themselves and their families. Brad encourages his readers to take a proactive approach, exploring options early before circumstances make decisions harder.

The book begins by addressing one of the most common questions he hears: “I just want to stay in my home. Why consider a retirement community?” Many people love the idea of remaining in their current home but wonder whether it will remain safe, practical, or affordable in the long run. Brad walks through the realities of opting for at-home care, the types of support needed as care needs increase, and the often-overlooked logistical and financial factors that come into play.

>> Purchase “Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning” by Brad Breeding, CFP® on Kindle or in paperback.

From there, the book dives into the structure and purpose of retirement communities: what they are, what they are not, and how they differ from more traditional senior housing options. With so many types of communities — independent living, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs, also called life plan communities), and more — Brad’s explanations help readers understand not only definitions but the distinct philosophy and lifestyle elements behind each choice.

Understanding the full spectrum of long-term care and its costs

Another critical part of retirement planning involves understanding long-term care. Brad offers clarity on what long-term care includes, how it relates to retirement communities, and how your anticipated care needs should factor into your senior living decision-making. Readers will also find accessible explanations of the real costs of long-term care — information that often surprises those who have not yet researched their options — and why planning for those costs ahead of time is essential.

The book also outlines the various contract and payment structures that retirement communities offer. These can vary widely from one community to another as well, and the distinctions between them can be confusing. Brad’s explanations help readers understand the advantages and trade-offs of each contract and payment model, empowering them to make informed decisions that align with their financial picture and personal priorities.

Why this book matters more than ever

Today’s older adults are redefining what “retirement lifestyle” means. Many want to remain active, engaged, and independent for as long as possible. At the same time, they recognize the need for security, support, and well-planned transitions should their care needs evolve. With so many choices available, having a reliable roadmap can make all the difference.

“Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning” helps readers consider not just where they will live, but how they want the next phase of life to feel. The book encourages thoughtful reflection on values, goals, finances, family dynamics, and long-term wellbeing. It guides readers through questions such as:

• What kind of lifestyle do I want in the years ahead?
• What level of community, connection, and activity is important to me?
• How much control do I want over future care decisions?
• How can I avoid unnecessary stress or crisis-driven choices in the future?

By addressing these questions head-on, Brad’s book empowers both older adults and their families to approach the retirement living decision with clarity and peace of mind.

A supportive first step on your retirement living journey

If you or someone you love is beginning to explore senior living options … or even if you’re simply curious about what the future of the industry may hold, “Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning” offers an expertly written and accessible starting point. It helps readers lay the foundation for smart decision-making, providing the knowledge and confidence needed to continue the journey.

Whether your preference is to remain at home or join a vibrant retirement community, or even if you simply want to understand what senior living and care choices exist, this newest edition of Brad’s insightful book is a valuable companion in your planning process. With clear explanations, practical insights, and a thoughtful approach, Brad Breeding once again proves why he is one of the most trusted voices in retirement living education.

>> Purchase “Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning” by Brad Breeding, CFP® on Kindle or in paperback.