Recently my wife and I attended the diamond wedding anniversary for a cousin and her husband.  As we were driving home, I began thinking about what it takes to reach 60-years of marriage. As I thought of my cousin, plus other couples I’ve known who also have celebrated years of marriage, I concluded the secret…

For years, I’ve researched, written, and coached people on how to retire successfully.   Frequently I’m asked, “What makes for a happy retirement?”  Conventional wisdom often defines happiness as status, (the job you have) financial security, (money in the bank), worldly goods, possessions, (big house / flashy car), lifestyle, and accomplishments. I have met people who…

(results of palliative care patient surveys) Building a retirement vision The above wishes should be part of imaging your new role as a retired person. This includes things that make you happy. Successful retirees build their own realistic and well-rounded vision of retirement.  They create and implement a plan to make it happen!  Read: Retirement:…

The other day I was asked a question which I don’t get frequently. “Hey, Rick, who uses your services as a retirement coach, and why?” I answered, “Most of my clients are individuals or couples between the ages of 45 to 65, but primarily those 1 to 5 years away from exiting the workforce.  Also…

Last week at the gym, I was speaking with a participant.  During our conversation, he said, “Rick, I’m retired and I’m bored. Everyday seems the same as the last.” I was taken aback!  Surveys show that roughly 36% to 40% of retirees report feeling bored. An independent study by The Oddfellows found that 39% of…

Indigenous elderhood is a respected cultural status and a way of living that is earned through wisdom, ongoing community service, and the stewardship of traditional knowledge. In many indigenous cultures, aging is not viewed as a withdrawal from society, but, as an elevation to a vital leadership role. Compare this to Western society. In Western…

Employee Questions Employees have hundreds of questions including: “How do I truly get prepared for retirement?” “How should I spend my time?” “What’s going to happen when my spouse and I spend more time together?” “What’s the best way to maintain my health as I age?” “Should I remain in my present home?” Today’s Human…

The statistics are bold, broad and scary!  It’s time to help employees, especially those 50+, prepare for possible retirement.  Though preparation makes logical sense, facts show a different story: Employer Actions What actions can be provided to help employees bolster their self-confidence and adjust their mind-set to possible retirement? Easy: Advanced commitment: Whatever approach is…

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…

At retirement, one relationship that often changes is with your spouse or partner. In the early and middle years of marriage, couples normally don’t spend a lot of time together. As partners, they are busy making a living, raising a family, and fixing up a home. Often, couples avoid talking about retirement because the topic…