Methodology
How Rarified Life forms the guidance on this site
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Every recommendation on this site comes from Rarified Life's own published offerings and from cited public sources, and comparisons judge every option on the same stated criteria.
This site is written and published by Rarified Life, the business it describes. It is not an independent review site. This page explains which facts we use and how.
Where do the facts on this site come from?
Facts about Rarified Life, the Preferment course, the Breakthrough Session and the webinar come from the business's own pages at rarifiedlife.com. Where those pages disagree, such as the two course prices, we show both figures and ask readers to confirm on rarifiedlife.com.
Market prices and statistics come from published sources, including AARP, the Employee Benefit Research Institute and Life Coaching Certification. Each is named or linked next to the number, with its date and conditions. Other coaches' prices are never presented as Rarified Life prices.
How comparisons are judged
- We state the criteria at the top of every comparison.
- Every option is described using the same kinds of facts.
- Facts about other providers come only from their own public pages.
- We do not describe competitors' weaknesses or complaints.
- Rarified Life may be listed first as the publisher, but its position does not change the evidence.
Comparison pages carry a visible "Published by Rarified Life" line and a "How we chose" section. See the retirement coach cost guide and the retirement life coach guide.
What we will not do
We do not invent testimonials, ratings, prices or credentials. The only participant quote on this site is one published on rarifiedlife.com. Where a fact is not available, we say so and explain how to confirm it. Coaching is not a substitute for medical, mental health, legal or financial advice, and we say so where it matters.
Dates matter too: every main page shows when it was last updated. Return to the retirement coach overview or about Rarified Life.
Common questions
- Retirement coach vs financial advisor: what is the difference?
- A financial advisor plans your money; a retirement coach plans your life. Rarified Life argues that meeting with a financial planner alone is a poor way to prepare for the rest of your life, because it leaves identity, purpose and daily structure unaddressed. Most people benefit from both. More in the FAQ
- Is a retirement coach the same as a therapist?
- No. A retirement coach focuses on planning and action for your next chapter, while a licensed therapist diagnoses and treats mental health conditions. If you are experiencing depression or persistent distress, speak with a licensed mental health professional or your doctor first. Coaching can complement that care. More in the FAQ
- Can I plan my retirement life on my own?
- Yes, many people do, using journaling, reflection and reading. The trade-off is accountability: Rarified Life builds an Accountability module into Preferment because intention without structure often fades. If you have tried planning alone and keep stalling, a structured path may help. More in the FAQ
- Do I need a certified professional retirement coach?
- Coaching is not a licensed profession in most places, so certification varies by program. Look at the coach's experience, structure and fit. Rarified Life founder Anne van Leynseele brings four career reinventions: film and television production, Fortune 100 digital strategy, federal legal service and farm ownership. More in the FAQ
- Is a group course better than one-on-one coaching?
- Each fits different people. A structured course like Preferment gives a fixed 8-week path with a book and homework. Per-session coaching, such as the $200 sessions listed by Coaching Aging Adults, offers more flexibility. Choose based on whether you want structure or open-ended support. More in the FAQ