In this episode of the Women’s Wealth Canada Podcast, host Glory Gray welcomes certified retirement coach Anna Harvey for an insightful discussion on the often-overlooked emotional and social aspects of retirement. While financial planning is critical, many women are unprepared for the mental and emotional transitions that come with leaving their careers.

Anna shares the top five hidden benefits that careers provide—structure, status, socialization, purpose, and financial confidence—and how retirees must find ways to replace these elements in their new chapter of life. She also highlights the importance of being mentally and emotionally ready for this next stage and offers practical advice for transitioning smoothly.

Whether you’re considering retirement, actively planning for it, or already retired, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you retire with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Learn more about this episode's guest, Anna Harvey at https://www.boostpotential.ca

Host Gloria Gray talks with Antonia Medeiros, an executive coach and author, about the financial impact of gender equality. Antonia shares insights from her journey from London to Montreal and how storytelling led her to a career in coaching and public speaking.

The conversation explores the importance of gender equality in the workplace, with Antonia explaining that diverse companies often have greater economic success and healthier work environments. She emphasizes that achieving gender equality is a collective responsibility, not just a women's issue, and discusses the role of leadership in fostering inclusivity.

Antonia also touches on the challenges women face when returning to work after having children, including the "motherhood penalty," which can affect career opportunities. She provides tips on reshaping traditional gender roles at home and at work to create a more balanced environment.

The episode ends with Antonia's upcoming projects, including a trip to Kenya to support education and a side project focusing on women in trades and construction.

Listen to this engaging episode to learn practical advice on gender equality and financial independence.

I've written a fair amount about the perks and freedoms of retirement. Without a doubt, the list of retirement pros is long.

However, like all parts of life, retirement also has its downsides. Below are a handful of strategies to help you avoid some of the potholes that can arise after leaving the paid workforce.

One year you might change your shower by adding a shower bar and a seat. Then you might adjust the threshold so that you don’t have to step up into it. Then you might install a chairlift to get you upstairs. Then you might move your bedroom downstairs. As I said, we just need more equipment. And the more you are able to adapt your home, the longer you’ll be able to stay in it.

Estate planning is an important step for everyone, regardless of their wealth or age. Having a will and incapacity planning documents such as power of attorney and health care/personal care representation agreements are essential to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the event you lose capacity.