Retire Smart, Retire Happy: Finding Your True Path in Life

by Nancy K. Schlossberg

Retire Smart, Retire Happy is one of the first books to provide guidance on the psychological and emotional adjustments we make in retirement. Most of us look forward to our retirement from full-time work, eagerly anticipating more free time and opportunities to play. But the reality of retirement can be different and hard to adjust to. Unexpected challenges may present themselves, leading us to question who we really are and what we can reasonably expect to accomplish in the remaining years of our lives. We may be confused by our changing relationships with family and friends, which no longer conform to an easy structure.

Nancy Schlossberg, a psychologist and experienced counselor, provides tips on coping with its ups and downs and reassures us that retirement can be one of the most fulfilling times of one's life. Readers are introduced to some common personality types among retirees, including Continuers, Adventurers, Searchers, Retreaters, and Easy Gliders. Armed with this knowledge, the author shows us how understanding our retirement "type" can help us put our strengths and resources to work.

Each of the seven chapters contains dozens of examples of situations experienced by actual retirees and includes short self-assessment quizzes. Topics covered include doing a personal inventory, shoring up one's relationships, investigating new roles and activities, and taking charge of one's future. This thought-provoking book is a must-read for recent retirees and those about to retire.

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction

149 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 1945

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I approached retirement, I realized there is very little written that I had seen about the emotional and psychological aspects of suddenly purposely not working. Everything focuses on whether you are ready financially. I ultimately came upon this book, written for expressly that purpose. That being said, I can't say there were any big revelations. But it did offer some validation to the thoughts and feelings I have experienced and gave me "permission " to just do nothing for a bit while I get used to this new way of being!

[Kimberlie Bortz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each person experiences retirement differently based on their current and previous life experiences. The author provided many examples of how people dealt with the impact of these life experiences on their retirement path and provided various tools to navigate through them. Many of the tools were common sense based but it helped to review them. The biggest takeaway for me was the realization that there is no right or wrong path, the key is to give yourself time, several years if necessary, to navigate this new chapter of life called retirement.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before your husband retires.....know what to expect. Don't fear it.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it may seem obvious, the author's description of retirement as transition, and exploring how transitions unfold was very helpful for me.

[Randy Henne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a funny book for me. It was a very fast read. And while I was reading it, I would frequently bring its contents into conversations I was having with my wife. But after it was done, I found that material left my mind seemingly for good; it didn't seem to have a lasting impression.

The fact that this review is like a reflection more on me than the book is not lost on me. But I'm sticking with 3 stars: some good points and discussion but didn't fundamentally change the way I think about this topic. I felt this book was more about characterizing possible paths rather than a way to "Find my true path" Having a vocabulary for describing my new experiences is useful but not nearly sufficient.

[Emily Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retire Smart, Retire Happy was a surprisingly eye, opening read for us at the BCN Book Club. Nancy Schlossberg doesn’t just talk about retirement, she gets into the emotions behind it. The different “retirement types” really stood out; several of us immediately saw ourselves in the descriptions.

What we appreciated most is how the book makes us feel understood. It doesn’t pretend retirement is easy, but it shows how to navigate the changes with confidence. It’s a warm, honest guide that helps you rethink your purpose and relationships in this new phase of life. A quick read, but one that stays with you.

[samuel James · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Retire Smart, Retire Happy is a thoughtful and practical guide to navigating the emotional and psychological changes that come with retirement. Nancy Schlossberg offers relatable examples, self, assessment quizzes, and strategies tailored to different retirement ‘types,’ helping readers understand themselves and make the most of this new chapter. The book balances insight with actionable advice, making it both comforting and empowering. A must-read for anyone approaching or already in retirement. Reviewed by the BCN Book Club.”

[Annabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Basically, this book reads like a series of real, life retirement stories. At times the writing felt repetitive, but it still helped me understand the emotional side of retirement better than any seminar I’ve attended. It highlights things no financial workshop ever talks about,like the loss of workplace friendships and the need for connection. Overall, a thoughtful guide.”
From a Book Club BCN

[Christophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retire Smart, Retire Happy gives a realistic and compassionate look at what happens emotionally and socially after leaving full-time work. The stories can feel a bit repetitive at times, but the core message is powerful: retirement is a major life transition that requires emotional preparation, not just financial planning. I found the explanations of identity shifts and changing relationships especially helpful.”
( From a Book Club BCN )

[Theresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of Book Club BCN, and it sparked some of our best discussions yet. Retire Smart, Retire Happy goes far beyond the usual retirement advice. Nancy Schlossberg really captures the emotional and psychological shifts retirees face. The five retirement personality types, Continuers, Adventurers, Searchers, Retreaters, and Easy Gliders, helped me understand myself and others in our group. A truly insightful read.

[Anna Briggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised us in the best way. As The Book club BCN, we expected it to be only about planning for retirement, but it’s really about understanding yourself through the transition. The real-life stories, simple tools, and honest advice helped us see how people adapt in different ways. We learned that retirement isn’t just free time,it’s a personal journey that needs reflection, structure, and purpose. A great pick for our club and a book many of us will recommend to others.

[KELVIN · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book blends psychology, storytelling, and practical advice into a supportive guide.
Schlossberg doesn’t shy away from the hard parts: identity loss, changing relationships, and emotional uncertainty.
Her tools for personal inventory and new routines feel realistic and helpful.
The writing is warm yet insightful.
An excellent resource for navigating life after full-time work. (From the Book Club BCN)

[Emily Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Retire Smart, Retire Happy through a unique spotlight at the BCN Book Club, and it immediately stood out. The book blends practical financial guidance with deep insights about emotional readiness, making it an invaluable read for anyone planning ahead. It’s clear, reassuring, and surprisingly inspiring.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Retire Smart, Retire Happy during a curated recommendation session at the BCN Book Club, and it impressed me with its clarity and depth. The author offers a balanced approach to both the financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A concise, smartly structured resource for long-term planning.

[Daniel Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Excellent resource for anyone retiring. The book goes deeper into social and emotional challenges than most retirement materials. The importance of connectedness, rebuilding relationships, and finding new meaning really came through. Should be required reading for anyone entering this stage of life.”
( From the Book Club BCN )

[Oreoluwa Glory · Rating 4 out of 5]

"One of the strongest part of the book is the discussion about replacing workplace friendship and finding new sources of meaning. Even through the writing sometimes repeats similar themes, the guidance is practical and comforting. it made me reflect on the type of retiree I am and how I can better structure this new stage of life,"
(From the Book Club BCN )

[HELLEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Schlossberg brings depth to a topic often overlooked, the psychological side of retirement.
Her categories of retirees help readers identify where they fit.
Each chapter feels engaging and grounded.
Self-assessments encourage deeper reflection.
A steady companion for shaping a purposeful future. (From the Club BCN)

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book quickly became a favorite among our members for its emotional depth and clarity.
We appreciated the blend of research, storytelling, and real-life examples.
It opened our eyes to the challenges and possibilities of the retirement transition.
It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish.

[Mark Velasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and informative

I really enjoyed this well written book about retirement. There are multiple examples given for each topic and the premise really is retirement is different for everyone.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first noticed Retire Smart, Retire Happy when the BCN Book Club featured it in one of their themed discussions, and I’m grateful they did. The book opened my eyes to parts of retirement I hadn’t even considered. It’s practical without being heavy, and encouraging without being unrealistic.

[Glory Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book offered strong comfort. Yes, some parts could have been said in fewer words, but the insights about identity, purpose, and the need for ‘applause’ in retirement really struck me. This is something everyone preparing to retire should read.”
( From a Book Club BCN )

[Allerry Bashir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the personality types of retirees interesting, even if the chapter structure felt a bit long. The emotional guidance is what truly stands out. This book made me reflect on how much my social life depended on work and how much I need to rebuild.”
( From a Book Club BCN )

[Christ f.whitey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very encouraging book. Some parts are journalistic in style, but the value is in how it addresses real emotional issues, loneliness, identity shifts, and new routines. Most retirement programmes miss this completely. I’m glad our club featured it.”
(From the Book Club BCN)

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book helped me recognize the changes I’ve been going through since leaving work. The loss of structure, the change in friendships, the search for purpose, it’s all here. Even though the writing can feel repetitive, the guidance is solid and much needed.”
( From the Book Club BCN )

[Jabril · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was chosen for our Book Club BCN, and I’m so glad it was. Schlossberg explains the messy, human side of retirement in a way that feels real. The examples and personal inventory exercises helped me see where I stand in this transition. By the last chapter, I felt more hopeful and grounded.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schlossberg writes with the insight of a psychologist and the tenderness of a storyteller. I especially enjoyed the real-life case studies, they added enormous depth. Our Book Club BCN session turned into a full conversation about purpose, something few books spark.

[Harry Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the most unexpectedly emotional reads of my year. Schlossberg reframes retirement with hope and realism. Her idea that retirement isn’t an ending but a rebranding of self stuck with me. Book Club BCN chose well with this one.

[Rachel C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, practical, and reassuring, this book dives into the real challenges retirees face.
The stories and self-tests make the insights easy to apply.
Perfect for anyone seeking clarity and confidence after leaving full, time work. (From the Book Club BCN)

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stood out at Book Club BCN was how the book combined psychology with everyday life. It gave us a roadmap to understand ourselves and others during this major transition. Reflection exercises made it interactive and memorable.

[Mandy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sparked heartfelt conversations in our club. Schlossberg’s compassionate tone and relatable examples made retirement feel approachable rather than intimidating. We came away with both insight and optimism for the future.