Transforming transactional relationships into transformational partnerships

One of the greatest feats of the past century is the advancements we have made in medicine and technology. These achievements have led to longer and healthier lives and have added decades to people’s retirement.

These bonus years are no doubt a gift. But likewise, they are a challenge. People now need to plan for a retirement that can easily span twenty-five, if not, thirty years. Under these circumstances, retirement planning is no longer synonymous with financial planning. Clients will look to advisors for information and council on how to successfully age, remain energetic, engaged, socially connected, healthy and fulfilled.

While retirement is one of the most anticipated of life’s transitions, it is also quite misunderstood. Many people count down the days to “freedom” only to realize that this milestone event is different than expected, eliciting a host of feelings that can include depression, anxiety and guilt – such as why am I not enjoying long days filled with no obligations or responsibilities? Others struggle with boredom and feel they have no reason to get out of bed in the morning.

While the stereotypical vision of retirement often involves a beach, travelling, gardening, and spending time with grandchildren, I have learned that it doesn’t reflect the desires and wishes of many.

People want more. Many are not ready to settle for a life of leisure and relaxation. I have spent the last 19 years researching aging, work and retirement, and for a large number of people, retirement can be traumatic. They miss work, social connection, and cognitively demanding challenges. Others long for the fulfillment that comes from achievement.

In light of this reality, my objective is to broaden the very concept of retirement planning so as to include the non-financial aspects of retirement life. I do this by partnering with advisors and writing newsletters for their clientele that feature the latest social science findings from the fields of retirement, social neuroscience, management, psychology and medicine. These newsletters are written in a user-friendly way (they don’t contain academic jargon) and always include practical strategies about successful aging.

I also facilitate seminars and workshops for the nearing or newly retired. In the age of Covid-19, these seminars have been replaced with webinars, enabling financial advisors to extend their reach to clients and prospects alike. Clients love these programs and come away with newfound knowledge that they can immediately put to use. Of course, you also benefit as they come to regard you as an advisor that doesn’t only care about their money but is also concerned about their health and wellbeing. This enriches the relationship between client and advisor and can also lead to new business in the form of referrals. For more information please reach out to gill@rewiretoretire.com.

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