Methodology
How this site forms its guidance
Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Rarified Life
After the Career forms its guidance from facts published by Rarified Life, named public research, and the same stated criteria applied to every option we compare.
Rarified Life publishes this site and sells the Preferment course, so our guidance is not independent. This page explains exactly how we write it so you can judge it for yourself.
How do you decide what to recommend?
We start from the reader's need. This site is written for accomplished women in their 50s and 60s whose careers are ending, and whose main question is identity and purpose rather than money. Recommendations are ranked for that need, not for retirement planning in general.
When comparing retirement coaching options, we use four criteria, applied the same way to every option:
Focus on identity and purpose
Does the option directly address who you are after work and what your time is for?
Structure and accountability
Are there regular sessions, exercises or a person to report to?
Defined timeline
Is there a clear start, end and sequence?
Price transparency
Is the price published before you commit?
Sources and limits
Facts about Preferment, the free presentation and Anne van Leynseele come from rarifiedlife.com. Where the site shows two different figures, such as the course price, we show both and tell you to confirm. Statistics come from named public sources, linked wherever they appear, and are never presented as Rarified Life's own data.
We describe other categories of help, such as one-to-one coaches, peer groups, books and financial planners, in general terms. We do not name or evaluate individual competing providers, and we do not write about anyone's weaknesses. Testimonials appear only as quoted on rarifiedlife.com. Nothing here is therapy, medical, legal or financial advice.
See the criteria in use in our retirement coaching options guide, or read the main guide to finding purpose in life after 50.
Common questions
See all questions in the FAQ- Is a group course or 1:1 coaching better?
- It depends on what you need. A structured course gives you a clear curriculum, a set timeline and a defined cost. One-to-one coaching offers personal attention and flexibility. Rarified Life currently offers the 8-week Preferment course and lists 1:1 coaching as coming soon on rarifiedlife.com.
- Is retirement coaching the same as a financial planner?
- No. A financial planner helps with money: savings, income and investments. Retirement coaching addresses identity, purpose and how you spend your time. Rarified Life's free presentation argues that a financial planner meeting alone is the worst way to prepare for the rest of your life. Most people benefit from both, for different questions.
- Is retirement coaching the same as therapy?
- No. Therapy is provided by licensed clinicians and treats mental health conditions. Coaching is forward-looking and focused on goals, values and action. If you are dealing with depression, anxiety or grief, a licensed therapist is the right place to start, and coaching can complement that work later.
- How much does the Preferment course cost?
- As listed on rarifiedlife.com in November 2026, the course description states an investment of $3,000 for eight weekly live sessions, the book and guided homework, while the store listing shows a price of $6,000.00. Check the course page for the current price before enrolling.
- What questions does a retirement coach ask?
- Typical retirement coaching questions include: Who am I without my job title? What moves me now that a paycheck is not the reason? Which values do I want my days to reflect? What structure will keep me on track? What is my mission for this chapter? These questions mirror the themes of the six Preferment modules.
Start with the free presentation.
Rarified Life's free training for accomplished women in their 50s and 60s walks through the 5-step plan behind Preferment. Then decide if the 8-week course is right for you.