The cover for 'How to have an Epic Retirement' is finally revealed
The ultimate guidebook for modern retirees, from the founder and former CEO of Starts at 60 Bec Wilson
Finally it’s here - the book I’ve spent most of this year writing. Today I can unveil the cover of ‘How to have an Epic Retirement’. I hope you’ll cheer me on in my ambition to help people access the information they really do need to prepare for retirement and maybe even contemplate buying a copy in the pre-sales.
The book, How to have an Epic Retirement, is being published by the wonderful team at Hachette Australia, and is available for pre-sales from today, and will arrive in bookstores on the 26th July 2023.
They have a wonderful formal pitch for the book - it’s so good I couldn’t contemplate changing it: “From the founder and former CEO of Starts at 60 Bec Wilson comes How to Have an Epic Retirement, the ultimate guidebook for modern retirees.”
But you’re my industry friends, colleagues and comrades - so I want you to understand why I am headed down the Epic Retirement path and feel the vibe.
Most of you know, the basis for writing this book comes from the ten years I spent as the Founder and former CEO of Starts at 60 and Travel at 60. Now, my next career is in pre-retirement and retirement education, working with companies and consumers to help them better prepare for, and live out their modern and very epic retirement, making smart decisions at every point of the journey. So it makes sense to set the scene with the ultimate tool - the guidebook. After all - I’ve heard all the problems that need solving - for a very long time.
It has been the most rewarding process taking the time to research and write this book to attempt to fill the enormous gap in retirement education that I feel has emerged over recent years as financial planners have thinned out, banks have pulled back and retirees have become more aspirational. I hope you can feel my excitement as it leaves my desk and heads into print.
Why did I write it?
As an industry, we are seeing a huge wave of more than 500,000 new retirees surge towards their modern part-time and full-time retirement in the next 4-ish years. That will bring the total number of retired people in Australia to more than 5 million - an enormous number, served by just 16,000 financial planners (or less) for advice on how to prepare and navigate. And for the first time in history this generation really are entering a phase of life where they have the freedom to live on their own terms, with ambitions we’ve never seen so strong.
But navigating retirement isn’t easy, and preparation is key during the pre-retirement years, (and not just financial preparation) as well as the early years of retirement, to ensure a fulfilling journey that could span over 30 years. That's where "How to Have an Epic Retirement" comes in.
Whats in the book?
This practical guidebook is packed with valuable information, relatable examples, and thought-provoking questions, covering the six essential pillars of how to prepare for a successful modern retirement:
Time: understand your longevity, life length, and health span so you can take a proactive view of your time ahead.
Financial Confidence: Gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage your finances and secure your future. Learn the financial systems that underpin your retirement savings too.
Health and Well-being: Your body is your number one asset in retirement - so learn how to care for it so you can live a longer, healthier life.
Happiness and Fulfilment: Discover how happiness really works, and how to find what brings you joy in the second half of life
Travel Dreams: Explore the destinations epic retirees dream of and book (I ran a travel company - so I know all the good trips); and learn tips and tricks for getting maximum bang for your buck. And, there’s tips for solo travellers, grey nomads and so much more!
Your Home As you Age: Adapt your living arrangements to suit the changing needs and desires of retirement - every stage brings new needs and wants you might not have even thought of.
Unlike any other book on the subject, "How to Have an Epic Retirement" demystifies the complexities of Australia's modern retirement systems, offering clear explanations and guidance to navigate this new landscape with ease.
This book is written in an easy-to-read and friendly style, with Australia's modern, dynamic and diverse retirees, in mind. You don’t need a million dollars to read this book!
Get your copy now
Don't miss out on the pre-sales discount – secure your copy today and be well-prepared to embark on an epic retirement journey.
And, if you’d like to consider bulk-purchasing for your customers, please reach out to me on bec@epicretirement.net.
I really thank you for your support. Every pre-sale really does matter. If we want this book to get onto bestseller lists (which I really do) and encourage people to be better informed when they make decisions - the pre-sales are a huge first step in building the excitement! So thanks in advance if you’ve stepped up to buy it.
Don’t forget to drop me a line! I’m always keen to hear feedback, your thoughts and gather your ideas into action. Until next week - make it epic!
Bec Wilson Xx
Did you read my column in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald on the weekend?
When your kids get their p-plates it’s time to check off this list
By Bec Wilson - First published in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald on 13th May, 2023 here
Attention all parents of newly P-plated drivers in Australia – this is your warning light flashing. As the last of your kids become independent drivers, it’s time to take a long, hard look in the rearview mirror and ask yourself: what’s next for me?
For a long time, you’ve been focused on the very exciting and sometimes challenging process of raising your children and putting their needs first. But now, with their newfound independence imminent, it’s time to take control of your own life and start living your ‘prime timers’ lifestyle and preparing for your retirement.
So buckle up because we’re about to take a ride through the ultimate checklist for making the most of your post-parenting, pre-retirement years, and beyond.
First things first, it’s time to check your finances and start planning properly for your retirement. This is a big area of focus in your fifties – or it should be.
For most people, (even if you’re starting your savings now), if you are invested, the money you have in superannuation will double every seven to ten years depending on what you invest in, just through the benefits of compound investment. So, your goal should be to … Read the whole story on the Sydney Morning Herald here.
Guest Speaking and Retirement Education
I am building a retirement education and guest speaking business to support my passion for guiding people on modern retirement.
Guest speaking
I now guest speak at events. I have a range of topics around how to prepare for a modern retirement; how your housing needs change in the second half of life (and how to navigate); healthy ageing and longevity; and happiness in the second half of life (among other things).
Retirement Education and Consulting
I am developing a range of online and person to person courses for consumers to learn about retirement and how to navigate the many life-changing and significant decisions that pop up along the way. I also provide market research, community building strategy and business growth advice.
Please, reach out on bec@epicretirement.net for a speaker’s deck or flagship course overview, or to chat. Thanks in advance!