Who Are You? What Do You Do?

I’m frequently asked, “Who are you?” “What do you do?”

Let me explain. I’m Rick Atkinson, (a.k.a Mister Retirement). I’m a retirement coach.

My focus, approach, and reader/client opinions are as follows:

Focus: Expert in retirement fulfillment, author, and founder of RA Retirement Advisors. My expertise is aimed at assisting those 45 to 65, and the recently retired with life-after-work planning.

Approach: I advocate for focusing on purpose, relationships, and health over just finances. I argue that many people mistake retirement for an “extended holiday” which can lead to disenchantment.

Reader/Client Opinion: Viewed as an enthusiastic coach who focuses on the emotional and psychological transition of retirement, I help people transition from “work to life after work”. I’m used by those looking for a “happier, fulfilling retirement”.

Key Topics: Include the “Go-Go”, “Slow-Go” and “No-Go” years, emphasizing the need for a tailored plan for each phase.

Reader Feedback

Readers generally describe my retirement planning books – often referred to through my work in Life After Work: Live it, Love it! and Retirement: The Ultimate Life Journey – as practical, holistic, and an “invaluable resource” for planning the non-financial aspects of life after work.

Based on testimonials and reader feedback, here is what is commonly said:

·  Actionable and Engaging: Readers find my books to be an “excellent place to begin” for those who don’t know where to start, featuring an appropriate writing style.
·  Beyond Finances: Many users appreciate that the focus is on the emotional, social, and physical transition, rather than just the money. One reader noted, “The most impact was better understanding how to plan, and it’s not just the financial aspect”.
·  Interactive and Personal: The books are frequently praised for their self-reflective exercises and checklists, which help individuals “create a customized plan for themselves.”
·  Highly Recommended for Pre-Retirees: The material is considered a “must read” for those in the 45 to 65 age range or those recently retired looking for more fulfillment.

Strengths Highlighted by Readers

·  Holistic Approach: Readers highlight that the content covers a “great variety of discussion” ranging from creating a positive attitude to balancing leisure, health, and relationships.
·  “Engaging Facilitator” I am described by readers as a knowledgeable guide who offers “profound insights” through stories.
·  Useful Tools: My interactive workbooks are described as helpful for creating “a fully integrated retirement plan”.

While some of my earlier work was titled Don’t Just Retire: Live it, Love It!, Strategies for Retiring Right! and Why Me and No Gold Watch! the core message and positive feedback remain consistent with my later, updated materials included in, Retirement: The Ultimate Life Journey.

I sincerely thank those who took the time and interest in providing feedback.

I encourage you to visit my website: www.whencaniretire.ca for hundreds of insights designed to help you build a great retirement.

Richard (Rick) Atkinson, BCom, MBA, CHRP, CMC, FDFS