We will
- Date each page with a visible last-updated line.
- Link statistics to the organization that published them.
- Quote participants only where the words were published.
- Say when another kind of help fits you better.
Methodology
Our approach
Last updated:
Purpose After Work bases its guidance on published program details, named research sources and practical experience of what helps people find purpose after retirement.
We would rather give you fewer facts you can check than more facts you cannot. Every number on this site is either a published program detail or a statistic linked to its source.
How do we decide what to recommend?
We start from the reader’s question, such as “who am I after retirement?”, and look for approaches that answer the non-financial side directly: identity, purpose, structure and accountability. We favor structured approaches with a clear sequence over general encouragement, because a sequence is something you can actually follow.
For details about Preferment and Rarified Life, such as course length, modules, what is included and price, we use the descriptions published on rarifiedlife.com and link to them so you can confirm. Where those pages disagree, as with the course price, we say so instead of picking one.
For money and timing questions we point to general rules of thumb and official tools, and we recommend a qualified financial professional for personal decisions.
What we will and will not do
We will not
- Invent results, ratings, reviews or testimonials.
- Give personal financial, legal or medical advice.
- Promise outcomes from any program.
Common questions
Is a retirement life coach different from a financial planner?
Yes. A financial planner focuses on savings, income, taxes and investments. A retirement life coach focuses on what you will do with your time and who you will be. Most people benefit from both. The view is that money planning alone does not prepare you for the rest of your life.
More answers in the FAQHow much does Preferment cost?
As of November 2026, the Preferment course page on rarifiedlife.com shows a store price of $6,000 and an investment line of $3,000 for eight weekly live sessions, the book and guided homework. Confirm the current price on the course page or by contacting support. The introductory webinar is free.
More answers in the FAQHow much to save for retirement?
It depends on your spending, other income and how long you expect to live. As a benchmark, Gen X workers said they will need about $1,069,746 to retire but expect to have only $602,944. A fee-only financial planner can build a personal number. Purpose planning covers the rest.
More answers in the FAQWhat is the 3 rule in retirement?
The "3 rule" usually refers to a 3% withdrawal rate: taking about 3% of your savings in the first year of retirement and adjusting for inflation after that. It is a more cautious version of the well-known 4% rule. It is a rule of thumb, not a personal plan.
More answers in the FAQHow does caregiving affect retirement for women?
Caregiving falls more often on women and can strain savings. 61% of caregivers were female compared with 47% of non-caregivers, and 34% of caregivers had less than $10,000 in savings and investments, versus 25% of non-caregivers. Planning your time and purpose should account for these commitments.
More answers in the FAQ