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

by Nancy K. Schlossberg

Retirement can sometimes bring up unexpected challenges that challenge who we are and what we can reasonably expect to accomplish in the remaining years of our lives. This book provides guidance on the psychological and emotional adjustments we make in retirement.

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction

176 pages, Paperback

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.

[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.

[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.

[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)

[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.

[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.

[Debbie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author had helpful thoughts, examples, and evaluations.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've read many self-help books before, this one probably won't have anything new for you. But it does provide a good dose of optimism and can-do energies that helped me during a down time. I got two significant things from the book: having contact with family and friends is essential and in Spanish, the word retirement, is jubilacion. To retire is jubilar, meaning glee! Read this book if you are feeling anxious about retirement, need ideas about how to approach it or just want to get fired up about the exciting possibilities of your jubilacion!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My future father-in-law swears this book changed his life and made retirement "doable" and justified many of his behaviors related to retirement.

I read this book for work purposes and because someday I hope to be a retiree.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty simplistic, and not particularly insightful. I'm going to read Bella Abzug's Fountain of Age next. Sounds like it will be more meaningful.

[Rebecka · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a really boring book. Just read the headings before the drawn out paragraphs and your good.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Strategies and insights based upon interviews with 100 retirees from all walks of life. As a new retiree I found it helpful. Much of it reinforced my experience thus far.