Location
Per AARP, hourly rates in major cities like Boston, Miami or San Francisco can be several times higher than elsewhere.
Retirement coaching cost
How much does retirement coaching cost?
Retirement coaching typically costs $150 to $300 per session according to a 2026 industry article, and AARP reports hourly rates from $125 to as much as $1,000 in major cities. Rarified Life's Preferment™ course is priced as a complete 8-week program.
Last updated: November 2026 · Published by Rarified Life
What does a retirement coach charge per hour?
It depends heavily on location. In AARP's "Do You Need a Retirement Coach?", one coach says: "Depending on where you live, that may mean somewhere between $125 to $150 an hour all the way up to $800 to $1,000 per hour for major cities like Boston, Miami or San Francisco."
The 2026 article "Retirement Coaching: An Emerging Niche" at lifecoachingcertification.net says retirement coaches typically charge $150 to $300 per session.
Published retirement coaching prices
| Criterion | Rarified Life Preferment course | Hourly rates (AARP) | Per-session rates (2026 article) | Flat-fee program (AARP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $6000.00 listed; $3,000 in the course description | $125 to $150 an hour, up to $800 to $1,000 in major cities | $150 to $300 per session | $3,600 for six months |
| What it covers | Eight weekly live sessions, the Preferment book, guided homework | One hour of a coach’s time | One session | A six-month program with one coach |
| Conditions | As listed on rarifiedlife.com, November 2026 | Varies by where you live, per one coach quoted | Typical range stated by the article | One coach’s flat fee, as quoted |
AARP also describes a coach who offers retirement clients a couple of sessions at around $150 each, tailored to the individual. Outside prices belong to the coaches and sources named, not to Rarified Life.
What raises or lowers the cost
Format
Single sessions cost less up front. Structured programs, like an 8-week course or a six-month package, bundle sessions and materials.
What is included
Check whether books, workbooks, or homework are part of the price. The Preferment course includes the Preferment book.
About the Preferment course price
The Preferment course page on rarifiedlife.com lists the course at $6000.00, while the investment section of the same page states $3,000 for eight weekly live sessions with Anne, the book, and the guided homework that turns reading into a plan. Because these figures differ, confirm the current price on that page before enrolling.
If you want to learn the approach at no cost first, Rarified Life offers a free presentation that introduces the 5-step plan behind Preferment.
Estimate the cost of hourly coaching
Use this worksheet to compare an hourly or per-session coach with a fixed-price program. Enter a rate from the published ranges above and the number of sessions you expect.
Estimated total: $1,200.00 for 8 sessions.
Assumptions: total equals rate multiplied by sessions, with no package discounts, taxes, or materials. This is an estimate for comparison only, not a quote or financial advice.
Common questions
How much does a retirement coach cost?
Published figures vary widely. AARP quotes one coach estimating $125 to $150 an hour in some areas, up to $800 to $1,000 per hour in major cities like Boston, Miami or San Francisco. A 2026 article on lifecoachingcertification.net says retirement coaches typically charge $150 to $300 per session. Location, format, and experience drive the difference.
How much is the Preferment course?
The Preferment™ course listing on rarifiedlife.com shows a price of $6000.00, while the course description on the same page lists the investment as $3,000 for eight weekly live sessions with Anne, the book, and guided homework. Because the two figures differ, confirm the current price on the course page before enrolling.
Is it better to pay a flat fee or hourly for retirement coaching?
It depends on how you like to work. AARP’s article describes both: one coach offers a couple of sessions at around $150 each, while another charges a flat fee of $3,600 for six months. A fixed-length program like Rarified Life’s 8-week Preferment course gives you a set structure and end point, while hourly sessions offer flexibility.
Is the free presentation really free?
Yes. Rarified Life describes its presentation for accomplished women in their 50s and 60s who are nearing or in retirement as free. It introduces a 5-step plan for replacing the “What now?” dread of retirement. Registration happens on rarifiedlife.com, and watching it is a low-commitment way to see whether Preferment fits you.
Does insurance or Medicare cover retirement coaching?
Generally, no. Coaching is not a medical service, so health insurance and Medicare typically do not pay for it. Rarified Life does not mention insurance arrangements on its website. If cost is a concern, the free presentation lets you learn the Preferment approach before deciding whether the paid course is worth it for you.
What is included in the Preferment course price?
The course includes eight weekly live sessions with Anne van Leynseele, her book Preferment as your companion text and workbook, and homework built into the book that you complete between sessions. Each week builds on the last, moving through six modules from Introduction to Launch, so you finish with a named mission for your next chapter.
Next step: watch the free presentation
Rarified Life offers a free presentation for accomplished women in their 50s and 60s who are nearing or in retirement. It walks through the 5-step plan behind Preferment™, so you can see whether the approach fits before committing to anything.