Using a Mentor in Retirement

Survey results: 84% of retirees don’t have a retirement mentor: someone who has already successfully travelled the retirement road.

For over 14 years I’ve helped people prepare for, and live retirement.  Whether by way of my writing, speaking, workshops or personal mentoring it’s been a blessing and a gift. 

However, there are people preparing for retirement who don’t think they need any assistance or encouragement. Most pre-retirees choose to jump into retirement with both feet, without any planning or discussion. 

At a recent presentation, one of the attendees came to me and said, “The biggest “aha” moment in your talk about successful retirement was when you brought up the idea of using a mentor.  I’ve had several mentors throughout my career.  I’ve also paid good money to golf pros and personal trainers. Getting someone involved in my retirement made instant sense to me”. – John K., senior executive

How to Find a Mentor

Here are some tips for finding a suitable mentor:

• Acknowledge that it’s difficult to have a successful retirement without help.

• Ask yourself if there are one or two people in your immediate family or social circle who can serve as your mentor.

• Consider a work colleague or friend, someone who already has created a successful retirement plan.  How about your financial advisor? Many are keenly interested in helping clients achieve not only financial success but also total retirement success.

• What about a professional mentor?   A person like me who are in the business of mentoring.

• Once you identify a mentor, meet with them to discuss the potential of establishing and maintaining a mentoring relationship, including expectations and concerns, both yours and theirs. 

For additional information on retirement mentoring, including ways to help deepen your mentoring relationship, please drop me a note.  Visit: www.whencaniretire.ca.