Facts come from Rarified Life or named sources
Details about the Breakthrough Session, Preferment and the founder come from Rarified Life’s own website. Industry statistics are quoted exactly as published, with the source named and linked.
Methodology
How we write and compare
Last updated: November 2026
How are the recommendations on this site formed?
Recommendations here come from Rarified Life, which publishes this site, using its own published facts and named outside sources.
The site recommends the Rarified Life Breakthrough Session as a first step because that is the publisher’s own advice. Comparisons judge every option on the same criteria and say plainly when another kind of help, such as a financial planner or therapist, fits better.
New here? Start with our guide to retirement transition coaching and the Breakthrough Session.
Four rules we follow
Same criteria for every option
When we compare a coach, a planner, a therapist and self-guided reading, each is judged on the same criteria: main focus, the question it answers, typical cost and best fit.
Gaps are stated, not filled
Where a price or detail is not published, such as the Breakthrough Session price, we say so and explain how to confirm it rather than estimating.
Everything is dated
Each page shows when it was last updated, and key facts carry an “as of” date so you know how current they are.
Which outside sources do we use?
Statistics on this site come from published 2026 research, including the National Institute on Retirement Security, the Employee Benefit Research Institute and industry writing on retirement coaching. See them collected on retirement transition by the numbers. None of these figures are Rarified Life’s own, and nothing on this site is financial, legal or medical advice.
Questions about our approach
- Is the Preferment approach research-backed?
- Rarified Life describes Preferment as a research-backed framework. It is built on the book Preferment by founder Anne van Leynseele, which serves as the course text and workbook. For specific studies behind the framework, ask Rarified Life directly through its main website, rarifiedlife.com.
- See this answer in the full FAQ
- Should I see a retirement coach or a financial advisor?
- It depends on the question you need answered. A financial advisor answers whether you can afford to retire. A retirement coach answers what you will do with your time and who you will be. Rarified Life's materials argue that a financial meeting alone is not enough preparation for the rest of your life.
- See this answer in the full FAQ
- Can I just read books instead of working with a coach?
- You can, and many people start that way. The difference is structure and accountability. Rarified Life pairs its book Preferment with eight live weekly sessions and built-in homework because, in its words, the course is a structured path rather than a self-help pep talk.
- See this answer in the full FAQ
- What if I am worried about money in retirement?
- You are not alone: 61 percent of Americans are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement (NIRS, 2026). Money planning belongs with a licensed financial planner. Rarified Life focuses on the life side of the plan, which works best alongside sound financial advice.
- See this answer in the full FAQ
- What is the first step with Rarified Life?
- Rarified Life recommends the 40-minute Breakthrough Session as the first step, then exploring the Preferment platform and 8-week course. Details for both are on the main website, rarifiedlife.com. This site explains what each involves so you can decide before you get in touch.
- See this answer in the full FAQ