Retirement Is a Contact Sport is an insightful and practical guide for anyone approaching or already in retirement, addressing key issues not only with stopping work, but also covering topics surrounding getting older and end of life planning as well. What inspired you to write this book?

During my career as a financial advisor, I found many people really did not understand retirement is an ongoing process that requires realistic thought, planning and acceptance of challenges they have not seen before. For many, in my opinion, retirement was viewed, both from a financial and emotional viewpoint, as frightening and something they believed they would never attain. Many could not understand retirement obstacles could be overcome, and retirement should represent the very best phase of their life.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The first concern is, of course, reasonable financial planning and determining funds available for retirement living. After an assessment of funds available, it is critical to choose a lifestyle the funds available can support…no one can do everything on their “bucket list”. A major concern, after determining funds available, is dealing with the emotional issues of retirement. Far too many people believe they can “retire and do nothing”, which is a roadmap to disaster!

What advice do you have for readers overwhelmed by all the changes being made to things like Social Security and Medicare, how should they navigate and plan for this ever-evolving system?

As indicated in the chapters on Social Security and Medicare, help is available in these areas from trusted Financial Advisors, Insurance Agents, Social Security Administration and Medicare web sites. Far too many people are intimidated and simply will not contact the people and government agencies that are available to assist in solving even the most basic retirement concerns.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Retirement Is a Contact Sport?

From my back cover, “Retirement, if treated in the right manner, is fun, rewarding and very much a very positive contact sport”.