Today we’ll discuss what to look for when choosing a Retirement Lifestyle Coach.
This is continuing with the “Retirement Warning: Don’t Go it Alone!” article where I discussed the importance of building a Retirement Team to help with retirement and retirement planning. As I mentioned in the original article a lifestyle coach is optional but can be a valuable addition to your retirement team. I will go over the core credentials and expertise to look for in a Lifestyle Coach and give you a few questions you need to ask when choosing the right retirement team member.
This is the one team member I didn’t and still don’t have on my retirement team. While doing the research for this article, I realize how much I’m missing by not having a lifestyle coach helping me with non-financial issues. As I’ve said in earlier posts, my biggest surprise since I retired is how little prepared I was for the daily lifestyle changes. I’m looking forward to using the information below to help me find my lifestyle coach. Enough about me!
This role is increasingly recognized as vital for a fulfilling retirement, focusing on the non-financial aspects of the transition into retirement.
The Lifestyle Coach (optional but valuable)
- Experience Coaching Retirees or Those in Transition: Look for a coach who has specific experience helping individuals navigate the psychological, social and emotional aspects of retirement. This is different from a career coach or general life coach.
- Relevant Certifications (optional but a plus): While not as regulated as financial or legal fields, some coaches have certifications from reputable coaching organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF). This demonstrates a commitment to professional standards.
- Understanding of Retirement Challenges: A good coach understands common retirement challenges such as loss of identity, managing free time, maintaining social connections, finding new purpose and navigating relationship changers with partners and family.
- Empathy and Active Listening Skills: A successful coach is a great listener, empathetic and skilled at asking probing questions that help you discover your own answers and path.
- Clear Coaching Process and Fees: Understand their coaching methodology, the duration of their programs and their fee structure (per session, monthly package, program-based). Get this in writing.
- Communication Style and Availability: Do they communicate clearly, are they encouraging and do they hold you accountable? How often will you meet and what is the format (in-person, video call, phone)?
- Focus on Action and Goals: A good coach helps you set realistic goals for your non-financial retirement life and works with you to create actionable steps to achieve them. They should inspire you to move forward.
- Tools and Resources: Do they provide any specific tools, exercises or resources (assessments, journaling prompts, reading recommendations) to support your journey?
- Client Testimonials and Success Stories: Ask for references or look for testimonials from other retirees they’ve coached.
- “Discovery Call” or Initial Consultation: Many coaches offer a free introductory session. Use this to assess their style, approach and whether you feel a good connection. This “chemistry” is vital for coaching.
- Authenticity and Personal Fit: You need to feel comfortable opening up and being vulnerable with a lifestyle coach. Choose someone whose personality and approach align with yours.
- Boundaries and Ethics: A professional coach maintains clear boundaries and adheres to ethical guidelines, respecting confidentiality.
Questions to Ask Potential Lifestyle Coaches:
- “What is your experience specifically coaching people through the retirement transition?”
- “What is your coaching philosophy and methodology?”
- “How do you help clients discover their purpose and plan for their non-financial life in retirment?”
- “What is your fee structure and what’s included in your coaching packages?”
- “What kind of commitment (time, effort) is expected from me?”
- “How do you measure success in coaching?”
- “Can you provide references or testimonials from other retirement clients?”
- “What is your process for an initial consultation to see if we’re a good fit?”
I have drawn from my own experience when planning for retirement and Gemini AI to help with these articles. I was fortunate early on to realize I needed a team to help me in the retirement planning process and have continued with my team in retirement.
Unfortunately, as I mentioned earlier, I have not added a Lifestyle Coach to my team. Doing the research for this post I realize just how much a lifestyle coach would help me in my retirement journey. I will be immediately seeking out a coach to complete my retirement team.
Hopefully, the information I’m providing is giving you a good start to retirement planning and a wonderful retirement. In the next post I will wrap up this series with the commonalities and benefits of having a retirement team approach
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
If you would like, please leave a comment below or you can email me at www.feedback@wewaonthenet.com.
I’m also beginning a YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@wewaonthenet where I will be discussing various retirement topics and topics I come across that I think may be of interest. Check it out!
Recent Comments