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

Retirement Mentoring - A Hidden Secret

Many people will be retired for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more years.  That's a long period of time.

As we matured, we worked, raised a family, and had many mentors along the way - our parents, family members, teachers, friends, coaches, business associates, supervisors and managers.  They all showed us the way, pointing out the pitfalls in life and helped to steer us around the traps.  They encouraged and praised us and they helped guide our actions.

Now we are entering one of the most challenging yet exciting times of our life.  Retirement is filled with adventure, change and the unknown.  Faced with this new part of life, we can choose to jump into retirement with both feet, without any planning or discussion, or we can enter retirement fully prepared.

In a  recent survey I conducted, it was found 84% of respondents reported they do not have a retirement mentor - someone who has successfully transitioned from work to life after work.  In other words, many people are trying to figure out retirement without help from others.

To help ourselves, we need to acknowledge it is hard to have a great retirement without help.  A mentor can help hone our thinking and provide ideas and options designed to achieve our retirement goals.  In our quest for a mentor, think of one or two people you know who can serve as a mentor.  It may be a family member, work colleague or friend, someone who already has created a successful retirement plan or who is already an admired retiree.

When considering a potential mentor, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I have the desire and ability to accept advice from this person?
2. Do I possess a positive attitude towards retirement?
3. Would I be appreciative of assistance and willing to risk trying ideas and approaches suggested by this person?
4. Would we be able to share interests and understandings as part of the relationship building process?

Once you have identified one or more potential mentors, meet with them individually to discuss the potential of establishing a mentor/mentee relationship.  It may be as simple as meeting once every month or two to generally discuss your retirement progress or it may be complex as scheduling weekly or bi-weekly critiques of your retirement plan and actions.

The secret of a good mentor/mentee relationship is for both parties to work towards building an effective and satisfying closeness.  Mentoring is similar to other important relationships in life: it must be nurtured to reach its full potential.

Mentor/mentee relationships require a commitment of time and energy by both the mentor and mentee if valued, worthwhile results are to be produced.  With the proper mix of dedication and caution, mentoring can immensely enrich your retirement and your life.

Richard (Rick) Atkinson
Retirement Specialist
www.dontjustretire.com
twitter@dontjustretire

Creating a Realistic Retirement Vision

As a first step to preparing for life after work, I recommend creating a realistic retirement vision.  Sit back, relax and imagine yourself in your first six months of retirement. Then in one and two years.  Does your mental picture change?  If so, how?  Take a moment and record your thoughts.  Now think about year 3 and 4 in retirement.   What are you doing, who's in your retirement picture, how are you maintaining your health, what's your social circle like?  Again, record your thoughts.

Visualize yourself at the end of your retirement when you're 90, 95 or 100.  When you think of your life, what are you proud about?  What have you done that brought happiness to you and others?  What will you be remembered for? Again, write down your thoughts.

Think about the people you know who have made a success of their retirement.  What do they do that you admire?  Think of those who are challenged by retirement.  What are they doing or not doing that makes them, in your opinion, less successful in retirement?

It has been said that the life we lead is a result of the choices we make.  In your pre-retirement years, it's important for you to make the right choices - the ones that will result in building a fulfilling and energetic retirement. Visualization helps you create a mental model of retirement and helps to prepare you for making the right choice.

Richard Atkinson
Author:  Don't Just Retire - Live It, Love It!
www.dontjustretire.com
twitter: @dontjustretire

introduction

So you're thinking about retirement!  Ah, freedom at last!  When most people think about retirement, they imagine leaving a job and dropping out of the rat race.  They often see retirement as a welcome change or an escape to something more peaceful and serene.

But retiring is not only about giving up your job and relaxing.  It's entering one of the most exciting and challenging stages of life.  It can be a time to draw upon your personal and professional experiences to open new doors of opportunity and education.  It can be the time when you realize your potential and accomplish significant goals previously delayed by the responsibilities of working and raising a family.

However, a successful retirement doesn't come without its hurdles.  There are many considerations such as living on a reduced income, creating a health and wellness strategy, examining relationships with family and friends, allocating personal time, establishing living arrangements, adopting and adapting to different social roles and adjusting to the eventual death of a spouse, friends and family members.

I wrote Don't Just Retire - Live It, Love It! to assist people with their retirement planning process.  I outlined some of the problems and questions to be addressed when thinking about retirement and the book is intended to provide insight and direction, without taking away from your individual decision-making. 

If you are around or between the ages of 45 to 65, it's time to explore your future as a retired person.  I encourage you to complete the exercises in the book.  Be sure to share your thoughts and plans with your spouse or partner as you progress towards developing your personal retirement vision and plan.

This is the first of a series.  I hope you enjoy them.

Richard (Rick) Atkinson
www.dontjustretire.com