The book by L. Kotlikoff and S. Burns, which became a financial bestseller, examines the deep structural flaws of modern pension systems operating in developed countries. Taking a closer look at the example of the United States, the authors show that in this country alone, the fiscal gap between planned expenditures and government revenues exceeds $51 trillion. This threatens to cause not only great difficulties in providing the elderly with a decent existence, but also a severe crisis of the entire international financial system, which will affect all countries without exception. The authors propose a set of policy measures that will make it possible, if not to prevent the coming storm, then at least to soften its blow. Recommendations are also provided for ordinary citizens on how to preserve personal savings in conditions of an almost inevitable financial crisis. The book will be of interest to politicians, economists, financial sector employees and government officials, students and teachers of socio-economic disciplines, as well as anyone interested in the future of the pension system and global finance. 2nd edition, electronic.