Everything Retirement: A Holistic Approach to Your Future By Dr. Cheryl Waites Spellman, EdD, MSW, LMSW and Lester Guy Spellman, MBA Retirement isn’t the end of your story—it’s the start of your most rewarding chapter. With people living 20–30 years beyond their careers, the old model of stopping work at 65 and relying solely on pensions or Social Security no longer works. Today’s retirement is about creating a vibrant, purpose-filled life on your own terms—one that blends financial security, physical vitality, emotional well-being, and meaningful connections . Everything Retirement: A Holistic Approach to Your Future is your complete guide to designing a retirement that reflects who you are and what you value most. Written by leaders in healthy aging, finance, wellness, and strategic life planning, this empowering resource equips you with the clarity, tools, and confidence to thrive in your next chapter—whether you’re five years away from retirement or already there. Inside, you’ll discover how to: Follow a proven 10-step holistic planning strategy for every stage of retirement - Build a realistic, adaptable financial plan that supports your dream lifestyle - Maintain physical health and emotional well-being for lasting vitality - Transition from career to purpose-driven living without losing momentum - Strengthen social connections and explore new passions, hobbies, and travel - Evaluate housing, lifestyle, and community options that fit your needs - Stay flexible and resilient as life’s circumstances change This guide goes beyond numbers—it’s about designing a life you love . From managing your fears to realizing your dreams, Everything Retirement helps you approach the future with confidence, joy, and purpose. Whether you want to travel the world, launch a business, volunteer in your community, or simply live well every day, this book will show you how to make it happen. Your best years are ahead—plan them wisely, live them fully . 📚 Pair your reading with the Everything Retirement online course and supportive community for ongoing guidance at EverythingRetirement.org . ... I think the book will provide a useful guide for many, likely some who don't know they need it, and for those who are struggling with many of the concepts discussed. Thank you for this important work! - ROBIN R, Recent Retiree ... the book has a generational approach, even younger people would benefit from reading it. It allows them to be proactive in planning. For middle age and older readers, it can be an essential guide to successful retirement. - JOHN C, Public Relations Executive I found the specifics involved in developing a life purpose statement helpful. The specific areas/topics and the "spelled out" steps to achieve personal goals was useful and provided a measurable guide. - JAMAL W, Principal IT Executive Dr. Cheryl Waites Spellman is a retired college professor and administrator with an Ed.D. in Counselor Education from North Carolina State University, an MSW from Fordham University, and a BA in Sociology from CUNY-Hunter College. As a respected academic and fellow of prestigious gerontology and research organizations, Dr. Waites Spellman has made significant contributions to her field and is widely published. She has authored books and numerous academic articles, establishing herself as a well-published expert. Dr. Waites Spellman has conducted research in healthy aging, intergenerational relationships, and culturally responsive practices. Her work has been instrumental in advancing knowledge and practices in these areas, making her an important voice in the field. Passionate about empowering the next generation, she believes in inspiring others to pursue their dreams, embrace lifelong learning, and live with purpose and fulfillment. Married with adult children and grandchildren, Dr. Waites Spellman delights in this enriching stage of life. Her mission is to uplift and motivate others to create meaningful, impactful lives now and in the future. Lester G. Spellman Jr. is a retired marketing and communications executive with an MBA from Columbia University, specializing in marketing and finance. He brings decades of expertise in strategic planning, business development, and logistics. Lester held prominent roles at CBS Broadcasting and CBS Records, where he led record-breaking sales teams and played a pivotal role in launching innovative technology products. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership across media production, sales, distribution, and economic development-consistently driving growth, operational excellence, and organizational innovation. His skill set includes strategic planning, project management, and marketing execution, all grounded in a results-oriented mindset. A devoted family man with adult children and grandchildren, Lester enjoys traveling, boating, and golfing, and places high value on nurturing meaningful relationships. Passionate a
