Your Encore: Retirement Planning Guide - How to Balance Time, Money and Joy

How will you spend those extra 40+ hours per week - “Your Encore”? Researching your alternatives can be endless and you don’t want to make a mistake! Step 1 – through straightforward exercises, narrow down your broad options by finding balance between – time, money and happiness (download free worksheets from companion website). Step 2 – see links in the Appendix to numerous organizations designed to help you find your specific encore.

“Glenn has developed a really novel and helpful way to think about the transition to retirement. His exercises and mindsets will shine a light on the path most likely to be successful. An enjoyable read which just might produce an aha moment or two!” (Doug Dickson, co-founder, international Encore Network)

Yes, you define your retirement - “Your Encore”. But think about it. Making any major decision involves juggling the finite – time and money – with the infinite, your desire to be happy. Your future happiness may depend on this familiar balancing act. There are thousands of books on time management, finances, happiness and purpose. This book connects these interrelated topics for people at their retirement crossroads.

As a financial advisor and educator for more than 30 years, my work centers on helping people maximize happiness within the confines of their personal time and financial limitations. Often charting one’s course at this exciting juncture in life requires narrowing down the limitless possibilities through gaining self-awareness.

Post career I want you to understand what will realistically work in your life. How best to spend that extra time to keep you smiling.

This book is different - supplementing the finding purpose, leading the good life and financial retirement planning books.

Step 1 - Critical Questions

• How many hours per week will be available to pursue your encore?
• How much money do you need to make? And/or save?
• Based on what makes you happy now, what is likely to be a joyful next act?

My unique exercises and easy-to-remember mindsets will help answer these questions, guiding your decision-making - and just might produce an epiphany! With the goal of “creating” more time for what truly makes you happy, we’ll explore:

• Your “Work Optional Savings Number” and related cash flow needs.
• The “Joy Matrix” – a straightforward approach to understand what truly brings you joy now and which path will likely be fulfilling later.
• How to maximize Happiness Per Hour “HPH” and Happiness Per Dollar “HPD.

Step 2 – Consider Specific Opportunities
There are plenty of organizations willing to help you. My companion website and the Appendix provide an extensive list of resources connected to the International Encore Movement - from communities, books, videos, and classes, to paid work and volunteer opportunities, entrepreneurship, social ventures, and philanthropy.

My goal is to bring clarity to “what’s next” in a light and enjoyable way. Don’t wing it, this book will guide you to a retirement that is happy, secure, and financially sound. Let’s raise the curtain on your next act. My wish for your encore is thunderous extended applause!