RETIREMENT INSIGHTS

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The Loneliness Risk

By Rick Atkinson | March 4, 2026

This morning, I read a statement about loneliness.  It read, “I’m 73 and I can tell you the exact moment aging became lonely: it was when my daughter started saying ‘we should get together soon’ instead of picking a date, and I realized I’d become optional.”Loneliness among retirees and older adults is a significant public…

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An Olympian Approach to Retirement Planning

By Rick Atkinson | March 1, 2026

Many of us watched the Winter Olympics in Italy and now are preparing to enjoy the Paralympics. Athletes preparing for Olympic competition not only need desire and drive, but they also require a good training program. This includes practicing their sport, healthy eating, mentally preparing for competition, visualizing success and employing an experienced coach. Like…

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Coaching Clients for Retirement: A Primer

By Rick Atkinson | February 25, 2026

Research shows: ·      40% of boomers retire without a plan.·      40% of boomers retire with only a financial plan.·      Only 20% retire with a holistic, fulfillment plan, and actions to make it happen. Coaching Clients for Retirement is a primer that helps you, as financial advisor and coach, to guide your clients to this next stage in their lives…

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Retirement Disaster

By Rick Atkinson | February 24, 2026

This morning, I spoke with a manager who is living a retirement disaster.  Three years ago, he retired from a position which was not to his liking.  Not only was he being crippled by a boss who didn’t appreciate his dedication and skill, but the boss constantly presenting the manager’s ideas as his own.  At…

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Loneliness: The Silent Killer!

By Rick Atkinson | February 17, 2026

Recently I wrote about how inactivity in retirement can kill you. There is another threat to your retirement happiness and well-being, and that is loneliness. Loneliness is increasingly recognized by health authorities as a “silent killer” due to its severe impact on physical and mental health. According to Health Canada, the health risks of chronic…

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Inactivity in Retirement Will Kill You!

By Rick Atkinson | February 16, 2026

View Post↗ Retirees spend a significant portion of their day watching television, with averages ranging from over 4 hours up to 7 hours daily, totaling nearly 30 to 49 hours per week. This activity accounts for over half of their total daily leisure time, making it the primary leisure activity for those over 65.  The high…

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Retirement: The Ultimate Life Journey

By Rick Atkinson | February 12, 2026

In Canada, the life expectancy of women is 84.6 years, for men it is 80.6 years. This means many 2026 retirees must plan for a 25+ year retirement window. Question? Are you going to sit and wait for whatever comes along, or are you going to tackle the challenges and opportunities of retiring successfully? Many…

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Massive Retirement Mistake: Identity

By Rick Atkinson | February 10, 2026

Many retirees fail to plan for their loss of identity – from doctor, teacher, salesperson, electrician, driver – to. something new. Retirement often triggers a significant identity crisis, as individuals struggle with the loss of professional, purpose-driven, and social roles that once defined their self-worth. The transition to retirement frequently is accompanied by feelings of…

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Finding Purpose in Retirement

By Rick Atkinson | February 8, 2026

As a retirement coach, I’m often asked by clients to help them find ‘purpose’ in life after work. I start with my client recognizing what’s needed for a successful retirement involves careful planning across several areas including: health, finances, and purpose. Beyond simply saving money, a thriving retirement requires adapting to a new lifestyle, maintaining…

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Mentoring: A Guiding Parable

By Rick Atkinson | January 27, 2026

For over 13 years I’ve had the distinct pleasure of mentoring Inuit as part of the Government of Nunavut’s Initiative Program. As a CESO (now Catalyste+) volunteer advisor, I traveled to and worked with mentees employed in various government departments including finance, health and social services, justice, and the Baffin Island regional hospital. Not only…

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“Trying Out” Retirement: Is It for You?

By Rick Atkinson | January 26, 2026

Many boomers are exploring ways to “try out” or ease into retirement before fully leaving the workforce, a trend often driven by a mix of financial necessity, fear of losing purpose, and the desire to balance freedom with continued income.  Rather than a hard stop at age 65 (the normal retirement age in Canada), many…

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Appreciation from a Retirement Workshop Attendee

By Rick Atkinson | January 25, 2026

Hi Rick.Happy Holidays! I hope your Christmas and New Years were filled with fun and adventure. I’m writing to thank you for facilitating a retirement planning workshop offered by my employer for those over 50. At the time, being in my early 60s, I was seriously asking myself when do I retire? Lucky enough, I have…

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