This is a guest article from Ashley Rigby of Goldinage Retirement Coaching
A solid financial plan is the foundation of a good retirement. But once the spreadsheets are squared away and the numbers make sense, many people still find themselves asking: Now what?
That’s where retirement coaching comes in. Here are five tips I share with those who want to retire not just wealthy, but well.
1 – Don’t Wait Until You’re Unhappy to Get Support
Most people wait until they’ve already retired, when the expectation gap (what they thought retirement would be vs. what it actually feels like) starts to set in, before reaching out for help. But the best time to think about your next chapter is well before you step away from work. You wouldn’t start a business or build a house without a plan. Retirement deserves the same level of intention.
2 – Transition Still Takes Time Even When You Plan for It
Retirement is one of the biggest career shifts most people will experience. Even if you’ve planned ahead, it still takes time to adjust. In fact, research shows it can take up to five years to fully recalibrate. Your routines shift. Your social circles change. Your sense of identity evolves. Don’t panic if it doesn’t all click right away. That’s not failure, it’s the natural rhythm of transition.
3 – Boundaries Matter Even in “Freedom”
Many people assume retirement means total freedom. But too much unstructured time can feel overwhelming. Add in shifting dynamics at home, like a spouse who’s still working or kids who suddenly expect free childcare, and it’s a recipe for resentment. Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out; they’re about protecting the life you’re trying to create.
4 – Purpose Isn’t Always Grand – It’s Often Found in the Small Stuff
When people hear “find your purpose,” they often freeze. The word feels too big. But purpose doesn’t always mean founding a nonprofit or writing a novel. Sometimes, it’s driving your neighbor to a dialysis appointment. Or getting back into the garden. Or simply doing something for the first time. Your purpose might not be loud, but it can still be powerful.
5 – Don’t Rely on Your Work Friends to Be Your Retirement Friends
This one stings. You’ve spent decades with people who’ve shaped your career, celebrated your wins, and probably seen you through some tough days. But when you leave the office, those relationships often fade faster than expected. Plan ahead by cultivating new social networks. Join a board, a group, or a class before you retire. I know you don’t have time. Trust me on this, make time.
Bottom line?
The money part matters, but it’s not the whole story. Retirement is a chance to reinvent yourself and to define success on your terms. Plan for it like you would any other major life event; with intention, curiosity, and support.
