Some years ago when mrs abb & I began planning all the things you are contemplating, I tried to read anything and everything I could on personal finance. I figured I had to learn it for myself, because it was our money. Subscribed to Money magazine & Changing Times, bought several books from Business Book Club and read them all.
This was in the days before the internet came along - late 80s and early 90s.
Out of all of it, I would recommend regular reading of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine (formerly Changing Times). Down to earth, written in a plain fashion, and time-tested advice.
Most of their stuff is online, if you want to save the subscription cost.
One other thing that has been invaluable to us is a detailed budget. ALL income and ALL expenses documented and put in a spreadsheet. That way, we could predict with some degree of comfort what future expenses we would face, based on past lifestyle.
Thank, Abb. My dad used to get Changing Times and I know he also read Kiplinger. Good advice.