My Retirement, My Way: A Workbook for the Newly Retired to Create Meaning, Set Goals, and Find Happiness

by Veronica McCain

Design your dream retirement with this life-changing workbook for the newly retired.

Entering retirement is exciting, but all the new possibilities can be daunting. What will you do all day? Where should you live? How will you make your money last? Will you be happy? In My Retirement, My Way, Certified Professional Retirement Coach Veronica McCain helps you dig deep to plan for a successful, fulfilling retirement.


Whether you’re looking for day-to-day guidance or big picture advice, this indispensable workbook will help you plan a happy, purposeful retirement.

Genres: Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2023

Reviews

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has just finished their first year of retirement, I was drawn to this book. Although I don't feel like I'm floundering yet, I was looking for a book to read that would help me to figure out my next steps.

My Retirement, My Way by Veronica McCain is an interesting workbook that makes you think about all facets of your retirement. It is very interactive, so I don't recommend reading the Kindle version. It helps you to think through your passions, how you want to spend your time, what are you looking for if you choose to move, etc. If you have children, this could also affect those decisions you make in retirement.

Some of this was common sense for me, but it's a perfect book if you feel like you need more of a guide for your retirement. I liked that it wasn't just a "are you financially ready" type of book. It hits on my different facets of retirement.

I gave this book four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Veronica McCain for sharing this book with me.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Successfully transitioning from a life of job and work to retirement is no accident. Retirement planning coach, Veronica McCain wrote this interactive workbook to get future retirees to answer the all-important question, “Now what?”

My Retirement, My Way is a tool that is best wielded shortly before a person is set on retirement. The workbook is very user friendly with formatting that encourages one to thoughtfully consider several aspects of the upcoming retired experience. The workbook is divided into three sections that journey from the general to the very specific: Part One- Retirement Starts Here and Now, Part Two- Create Meaning and Find Your Passion, and Part Three- Set Goals.

In case one wonders just what sort of planning for retirement the non-financial involves, there was actually a good deal. I like that fears were addressed first, that aspects of life physical, mental, and even spiritual were considered so the retiree is addressing more than just ‘things to keep one busy’, and how to develop new habits and activities that are balanced with the fun and meaningful use of time.
There are suggestions and nudges, but ultimately, this workbook is personalized by the one completing it so this isn’t the author’s idea for retirement, but the retiree’s. The author encourages the retiree to spent some time thinking through where you’re at, where you want to be, what’s important to you, and what are you bringing to the table for resources and abilities. Then, its goal setting time in the end for short-term (about the ‘honeymoon’ first year of retirement) and the long-term for well into the future.

My Retirement, My Way is a confidence builder and a solid resource that I found easy to follow and complete with worthwhile guidance for future retirees from all walks of life.

I rec'd a finished print copy from Zeitgeist Publishing to read in exchange for an honest review.

My full review will post on my Instagram page @sophiarose1816 on 8.18.25.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I'm 5 years into retirement, I found this workbook style book super helpful. Very wholistic without throwing alot of complexity at you. Super tangible in terms of thought process and action items. Highly recommend and will be gifting to a friend who is struggling with retirement!

[Martin Baggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This workbook is intended for recent retirees, to help them through the first year of retirement and beyond. I am just over a year away from retirement, so not quite the target audience, but I found it hugely helpful in thinking ahead. To get the most out of the book, it does require active involvement, working through the various exercises which are intended to help you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle in retirement.. I found myself completing them in my own journal, rather than in the book itself, since I plan to come back to them later, when I have just retired and probably a year or two into retirement.

Divided into three parts, I found the first part (retirement starts here and now) most useful. It helped me to define a future vision for my retirement. The second part deals with creating meaning and passion, and although some of the exercises were applicable, some will have to wait till I am in retirement. The third part, goals, was the least useful for me right now. That part includes exercises for defining goals, building plans, making/breaking habits, and I am familiar enough with these concepts not to need much of them. But if they are new to you, they would be extremely helpful.

I've read a number of books about retirement, and hence much of the material was not new. But being put into valuable exercise form, I think this is a great addition to the group. I recommend this if you are heading into retirement.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[AnnieM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books on retirement and was wondering is there more to be said -- well this book definitely answers that question -- YES! This book is intended for the newly retired but I also think it is worth getting before you retire. I am still a few years away after working for many decades and am starting to plan for what's next for me. When you have been working at full-speed, there are many fears about abruptly stopping. I love that this workbook covers all the bases -- from hopes and fears about retirement, finding and reconnecting to your passion (including reflecting on hobbies from our youth). The workbook has plenty of reflection questions and quizzes and I found it to be very helpful to work through the different sections over time. There is a section on thinking about finances but not a major focus which worked well for me because most of the other retirement books out there only focus on the financial aspects and not the personal change journey we will experience as we transition to a new way of being. I highly recommend this book -- and don't wait until you retire to buy it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Zeitgeist for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retirement can be a scary subject. Especially if you feel a bit unprepared. Are you close to retirement? No more fear with this guide by your side. Fill in each chapter of this wonderful workbook and your personal goals, finances, future needs, health and social aspects will all fit together. This easy to understand advice guide offers pathways to retirement success. Wonderful food for thought and methodologies so you can figure out how to get from A to R. Five stars because I am not a financial whiz ,but I could understand everything she was saying. :)

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great workbook for people who want to plan out their retirement. I felt like it was geared toward people who define themselves and their lives by their work, so retirement is a huge life change for them. If you live a life that revolves around your work/career, you may have a more difficult time transitioning into retirement.

*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review*

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't agree more that retirement should be seriously thought through and planned. This will make a great pre-retirement gift for someone I know.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.