Age Doesn't Define You!

Age Doesn't Define You!  You DefineYourself!.

As a member of the Tam Heather Venerables Curling Club, the largest men's curling club in Canada, I've had the privilege of meeting many wonderful members.

On Friday, my team curled again a team consisting of four players, one of whom was celebrating his 93rd birthday.  Though a little unsteady on the curling ice, he demonstrated an excellent rock-delivery technique together with a joyful sense of humor.  His wife of 88 years, also celebrating her birthday on Friday, watched with their daughter of 64 from the galley.

The game produced a lob-sided score - all in favor of the 93 year-old and his crew!

After our 8-ends of play, the two teams celebrated with the birthday boy and girl.  During the ensuing conversation, I asked what they attribute their longevity.  Both agreed it was several factors - growing up in a small town (Sarnia, Ontario), having a deep and respectful marital relationship, a warm and loving family, a respect for individual husband-wife interests including time alone and an air of anticipation of what lies ahead. 

In the last couple of years the couple have been blessed with two great grandchildren.  Though they remorse that their respective old friends have passed away, they see life as a gift and  one to be treasured every moment.

During my curling Venerable membership years I've met a number of inspirational people.  Last Friday is another time for rememberance.  I too would like to be on the curling ice at age 93, and sharing with others my advice on  how to live retirement to its fullest!

Thanks.

Rick

Don't Forget the Ladies!

As a retirement specialist, I work with financial advisors to bring a value added to their clients.  I facilitate retirement planning workshops and offer one-on-one coaching for those who require additional guidance in building their retirement vision and plan.  I concentrate on the non-financial issues of retirement including (a) how to build a leisure, health and wellbeing strategy, (b) the importance of a positive attitude when transitioning from work to life after work, (c) how to enhance relationships with spouse or partner, family and friends, (d) finding and using a retirement mentor or coach, and (e) living retirement to its fullest!

My workshops are well attended and act as a stimulus for people between the ages of 45 to 65 who want a happy and productive retirement and those already retired looking to add a little sizzle to their 'golden years'.

As the author of the best-selling book, Don't Just Retire - Live It, Love It!, I've not only researched how to retire right, I've assisted thousands better prepare for retirement, the second longest time period of our life.

Two months ago, I was asked if I offer 'women's only' workshops.  The question resonated with me as there is a reluctance by women to address certain issues such as financial literacy, putting self-first, eldercare, finding new friends, loss of a spouse or partner, living alone and living on a reduced income, to name a few, when  men are present.

During an eight week period, I collaborated with a group of 12 women in designing a 'women's only' workshop.  As a result, we created a one-half day event which includes group exercises, case study and group discussions and lecturettes, all to assist women build a personal retirement plan to enhance life after work.

The 'women's only' workshop was announced by word-of-mouth and within less than 10 days there were 28 registrants - the maximum number planned - and we have a waiting list for subsequent workshops.  The workshop was held in mid-January.  Here are comments received from participants:

"The workshop made me realize the importance of a well-structured retirement plan"
"I loved the positivity and energy of the attendees.  It was a fun event!"
"Got me thinking about things I had never considered."
"I'm realizing that retirement is much more than the money"
"A great workshop with a facilitator who made it both interesting and fun.  Being single, it was great that it was for women only."
"Wonderful information and fantastic discussions on issues of concern I have as a woman."

The overall rating for the workshop was 4.8 out of a possible 5.0

The 'women's only' workshop was sponsored by the Ajax-Pickering CARP Chapter and a Nesbitt Burns financial advisor.  Not only did the advisor receive kudos for his sponsorship, the participants provided him with referral names of friends and family members as well as several participants made appointments to review their financial portfolios - a great win/win.

You too may wish to sponsor a 'women's only' as an additional service for female clients and their friends and acquaintances.  This added value can be monumental and it doesn't cost a ton of money.  Happy clients are likely to spread the word of your thoughtfulness and caring.  Word of mouth is a powerful thing.  For details, contact Rick Atkinson, RA Retirement Advisors - ramgt@rogers.com or 416-282-7320.

The First Step - Women's Only Retirement Planning Workshops

This is to announce RA Retirement Advisors is now offering The First Step 'women's only' retirement planning workshops. 

Though many retirement issues are common to both men and women, there are a number of retirement issues women want guidance and discussion in the company of other women.  Included are: financial literacy, putting self first, finding new friends, weight loss or gain, elder care and others are part in our new 'women's only' workshops.

Participants learn about how to create a holistic retirement plan including: the importance of having a detailed vision of retirement, the need for a positive attitude, how to build a balanced leisure, health and wellbeing strategy, steps to enriching relationships, how to find and use a retirement coach or mentor and steps to living retirement to its fullest!

Through workbook exercises, case discussion, group discussion and lecturettes, participants will create a personal plan to enhance life after work.  They discuss concerns and are provided with suggested action steps.

Here are comments from our most recent 'women's only' workshop held January 14, 2012:

• "It was grand.  Very interesting and time well spent"
• "Being single, it was great the workshop was for women only"
• "Helped me creat my retirement plan and not to leave it to chance."
• "Got me thinking about things I never ever considered before - thanks so much!"
• "Enjoyed Rick's enthusiasm and stories - great session.  Can't wait to read Rick's book Don't Just Retire - Live It, Love It"

Our one-half day workshop will appeal to all women 45 and older. 

For information on the workshop description, learning objectives and fees, please contact Rick Atkinson at ramgt@rogers.com or www.dontjustretire.com.

Richard (Rick) Atkinson
Founder/President
RA Retirement Advisors