Hello, I’m Mike!

Welcome to Retiring Wisely.

IT’S MY HONOR TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE A RETIREMENT THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO JUMP OUT OF BED EACH MORNING.

I’m a retired engineer and manager who has spent decades helping individuals and teams solve problems. I have an M.A. in Management, which taught me to excel in identifying areas where development is needed.

How did I get here?

I have talked to many friends, family members, and ex-coworkers who have retired within the last few years, and most of them have a similar response when asked how their retirement is going. Outside of spending a lot of time with grandchildren, they don’t have much going on. I could tell the vibrant, lively personalities they once had were noticeably missing.

Most of the people I talked to didn’t convince me that their retirement was what they dreamed it would be. But as a soon-to-be retiree, I didn’t think that could happen to me.

That’s when I decided to take a survey provided by my job to test how ready I was for retirement. I discovered that I had no idea how little I understood about the non-financial components of retirement preparation. What non-recreational activities would I pursue to allow me to continue to learn new things many years after I retired? 

Because I believe in the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, I researched the mental health of people in the U.S. who have reached retirement age. What I found was very surprising.

Hidden facts about retirement and aging.

In a recent publication of the Statistical Abstract of the United States, in 2019, the age group of 50 and older had the highest percentage of cases of individuals who received treatment for depression.

The data also shows that age groups over 55 have higher suicide rates than other younger age groups. Studies have shown a strong connection between depression and suicide.

These alarming statistics reveal facts about aging and retirement that are rarely discussed or addressed. Part of the problem is that most retirement planning services focus almost exclusively on the financial portion of retirement. They rarely have detailed discussions with clients about what they will do now that the structure and purpose provided by working are gone.

What is Retiring Wisely?

I started Retirement Wisely to help retirees understand that family, health, and the ability to pursue one’s dreams are still vital during their retirement.

We help change the immediate future for retirees who aren’t living the retirement they dreamed of and deserved by offering several benefits aimed at addressing various aspects of their lives:

1. Structured Support: By providing structured programs and resources, Retiring Wisely shows retirees how to establish routines and regain a sense of structure in their lives. This assists in filling the void left by the absence of a structured work schedule, promoting better time management and productivity.

2. Identity and Purpose Reinforcement: Through self-paced courses, surveys, and various types of engagement with our community, Retiring Wisely aids retirees in rediscovering their identities beyond their professional roles. It encourages them to explore new interests, passions, and roles, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their post-retirement lives.

3. Activity and Hobby Guidance: By offering guidance on various activities and hobbies suitable for retirees, Retiring Wisely helps individuals navigate the uncertainty surrounding how to spend their newfound leisure time. This can range from suggestions for physical activities to creative pursuits, ensuring retirees find fulfilling and enjoyable ways to occupy their days.

4. Combating Loneliness and Depression: The Retiring Wisely Facebook page consists of welcoming and friendly retirees from all over. We’ve created a supportive community where retirees can connect with like-minded individuals facing similar challenges. This fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among retirees.

5. Rediscovering Passion and Purpose: Through self-discovery courses and exercises, Retiring Wisely assists retirees in reigniting their passion for life. By helping them identify and pursue activities that bring joy and fulfillment, the business enables retirees to reclaim the enthusiasm they once had during their working years.

By addressing these and many other issues facing today’s retirees, Retiring Wisely empowers retirees to embrace this new phase of life with confidence, purpose, and a renewed sense of vitality.