What do you mean about "positioning" your career to retire on your terms? Do you want to go part-time, or mentor your replacement, or something else? No consultant, unless they worked in your firm, is going to know how best to accomplish his in your firm.

In fact, I would think that saving your money instead of spending it on life coaches of dubious value would be part of positioning yourself for retirement.

Also, what do you mean about getting ready emotionally? Are you worried about spending your days with unstructured free time and perhaps too much time with your spouse? Or something else? Unless there's a specific issue, it seems like you could brainstorm about possible hobbies and then sign up for related courses in drawing, writing, yoga or whatever.

I guess I'm not getting why you need a consultant for reasons other than financial ones.

THanks, PP. Have the financial part covered. Looking for guidance on the non financial emotional part, and how best to position my career to retire on my terms.

Thanks!

Talk to a financial advisor about how to plan financially: what will your retirement spending will be (lots of travel? have you paid off the mortgage?); what your savings need to be for you to live comfortably in retirement; what you can expect to live on from your savings, pensions and Social Security, et cetera. Your workplace may offer free financial advising, but make sure he/she isn't being paid to sell you financial products you might not need.

Also try the finances board here on DCUM.

I am starting to think about retirement. I am in my early 50s with young children. I am starting to think about how to do it on my terms and gracefully. Would love someone to talk to about how it is done, how you know when it is time, and so forth. For example, perhaps I move to consulting now so I am more control later. That sort of thing.

Also, any good book recs?