Questions to Ask a Potential Retirement Coach
Recently I’ve read comments on Linkedin and other sites questioning the qualifications of those who call themselves a retirement coach. For instance, one training firm is offering certification after only 3 hours of study. Obviously, this is a marketing gimmick.
To build an authentic, credible practice, training options typically range from 15 to 40+ hour of study.
Unlike financial advisors who focus strictly on money and portfolios, a retirement coach helps you navigate the non-financial side of leaving work – such as identity, purpose, routine, and relationships.
If you are considering hiring a retirement coach, here are questions to ask. The questions will help you learn of the coach’s background, experience, coaching style and process.
Background and Experience
- What is your specific training or certification in retirement or life transition coaching?
- Tell me about clients you successfully guided through the retirement transition.
Coaching Style and Process
- How does your coaching process work, and what tools or frameworks do you use?
- How do you help clients who are unsure about what they want their post-work life to look like?
When hiring a retirement coach, your primary goal is to evaluate how well they can help you uncover purpose, identity, and personal satisfaction after your career ends.
Uncovering Purpose & Identity
- How do you help clients separate their personal identity from their former job title?
- What exercises or frameworks do you use to help discover core values and passions?
Structuring Life & Relationships
- What strategies do you use to help clients build a healthy daily routine?
- How do your coaching sessions address the impact of retirement on marriages, partnerships, or family dynamics?
- How do you help clients combat social isolation that often comes with leaving the workplace?
Goals & Measurements
- How do you help clients design and execute experiments (like volunteering or part-time work) before fully committing to a new path?
- What is your approach to helping clients balance leisure with productive, goal-oriented activities?
- How do we measure “success” and fulfillment in our coaching engagement?
Logistics and Fit
- How often do we meet, and are sessions held virtually or in person?
- What is the typical length of a coaching engagement?
- How do you charge for your services (hourly, package fee, or monthly retainer)?