We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Rigby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.

Ashley , appreciate you joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

One belief I hold, which is contrary to traditional wisdom, is that retirement isn’t the end—it’s a beginning. Most people think retirement is when you stop working, kick back, and coast into a life of endless leisure. But through my work as a retirement coach, I’ve seen how outdated this view is. As a millennial, I approach retirement differently. It’s not just about leaving behind a career; it’s about reimagining what’s next with clarity and confidence.

I challenge three common myths. First, that retirement means you’re done—that your contributions are behind you. I believe the opposite: the next chapter can be the most fulfilling yet, where you find new ways to express your talents and values.

Second, the idea that retirement is all pleasure. It’s easy to fall into the fantasy of perpetual vacation, but the truth is, real joy comes from a balance of rest, community and purpose-driven activity. Without people and meaning, even the most leisurely retirement can feel empty.

Finally, the idea that you have to wait until retirement to be happy. At Goldinage, we encourage people to cultivate joy, fulfillment, and self-discovery long before they leave their careers. Retirement is just an extension of the joy one creates today. It takes daily practice and there is no benefit in waiting.

These are the non-financial aspects of retirement we focus on at Goldinage, and they’ve helped our clients embrace retirement as a transformation—not an ending.

Ashley , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a certified professional retirement coach and public speaker. I founded Goldinage Retirement Coaching in 2022 with the mission of helping people reimagine what it means to retire. My journey into this space started in 2020, when I began coaching anyone who would work with me. I quickly realized my passion was guiding people 50+ who are looking to transition from what no longer brings them joy into a more meaningful, purpose-driven phase of life. My experiences working full-time, balancing family life, and challenging societal norms around aging inspired me to approach retirement in a fresh, modern way.

At Goldinage, we don’t subscribe to the traditional and outdated views of retirement. We offer one-on-one coaching, group workshops, and retirement assessments, all designed to help clients discover the non-financial aspects of their transition. We focus on uncovering and reclaiming identities beyond work, fostering meaningful social connections, and designing purposeful “next acts” that align with clients’ deepest values.

The problems we solve are deeply personal. People often feel lost or disoriented when their career—something that has defined them for decades—comes to an end. We help our clients find clarity and confidence in this new chapter, showing them that retirement is not the end but a powerful new beginning. What sets Goldinage apart is that we reject the old narrative of retirement as the final destination and instead see it as a transformative life phase filled with potential for personal growth and contribution.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done to redefine retirement, especially in the way we’ve challenged myths such as “retirement means you’re done” and “retirement is an endless vacation.” We also show people that they don’t have to wait until retirement to be happy—fulfillment can and should be cultivated throughout their lives.

For potential clients or followers, I want them to know that Goldinage is more than just a coaching company—we’re a movement. We’re changing the conversation around aging and retirement, showing people that their second (or third) act can be just as vibrant as their first. It’s our mission to help individuals find not just what they want to retire from, but what they want to retire to.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been through fellow coaches and public speaking engagements. Fellow coaches often refer clients who align with my approach to retirement, and speaking opportunities allow me to connect with audiences who resonate with the idea of reimagining retirement. I often speak at 55+ living communities and I’m currently prepping for my first TEDx talk in December of this year.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe our reputation in the market has been built on our commitment to our clients’ success. At Goldinage, we work closely with clients to ensure they achieve clarity and fulfillment in retirement – it looks and feels different for everyone. Some clients return to work, or start new companies, or want nothing to do with formal work – we explore all the options, especially, the ones they didn’t think they had. We are deeply invested in each individual’s journey, and this personal dedication has been the most significant factor in building trust and establishing our reputation.

Additionally, we are proud sponsors of Leadership Greater Hartford’s Third Age Initiative, a program that empowers older adults to remain active, engaged, and purposeful in their communities after formal careers have ended. This initiative aligns with our belief that older adults still have so much to contribute. It encourages leadership, civic engagement, and continued personal growth, which mirrors our mission at Goldinage to help individuals find new meaning and purpose and new identity in retirement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goldinage.com
• Instagram: gold.in.age
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559792926999
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldinage/?viewAsMember=true