Retiring on Purpose

New Book from Paula Swain, CFP®

Retiring on Purpose

A Woman's Guide to Confident, Joyful, and Intentional Retirement

Retirement planning that starts with your dreams, not spreadsheets. This isn't another book full of charts and jargon. It's a heart-to-heart conversation about building a retirement you're excited about — not one you're afraid of.

Get Your Copy on Amazon
Retiring on Purpose book cover by Paula Swain

Is This Book for You?

This book was written for smart, capable women who have given so much of themselves — and are finally ready to focus on their own future.

"I feel like I'm behind. I've made too many mistakes."

"I've spent my whole life doing for everyone else. What about me?"

"I'm navigating divorce or loss and don't know where to start."

"I want to feel confident, not confused, about my money."

"I'm ready for this chapter — I just want to make sure I'm on the right path."

"I wish someone would explain this without jargon or judgment."

"

This guide is empowering, touching, thought-provoking and necessary! The stories, the exercises, the reflection questions are fantastic and definitely help with creating one's own vision and story while reading the guide. I found myself making notes, answering the questions and underlining points that I want to go back and revisit.

I easily saw myself while reading this guide. The Practice of Joy chapter brought some tears because well... I'm 51 and time is moving fast, and I recognize it. I really liked how you put an emphasis on Lifestyle, not just Retirement — this is one's life, and you really did a wonderful job going back and kept going back to Lifestyle. Excellent!

— MELAINE

What You'll Find Inside

17 chapters that walk you through every piece of the retirement puzzle — with reflection questions, exercises, and practical takeaways you can actually use.

Dream & Design

  • Welcome to Your Next Chapter
  • Your New Season of Life
  • The Post-It Note Party Exercise
  • The Practice of Joy

Know Your Numbers

  • The Saving Journey
  • How Much Is Enough
  • Where Will the Money Come From
  • Investing Before Retirement

Make It Last

  • Turning Savings into Income
  • Smart Tax Moves in Retirement
  • Protecting What You've Built

Plan for What's Ahead

  • Healthcare in Retirement
  • Long-Term Care Planning
  • Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts & Beneficiaries

Navigate Life's Transitions

  • Life After Divorce
  • Life as a Widow
  • Home in Retirement: Staying, Downsizing, or Starting Fresh

A Personal Touch

  • A Letter from Paula
  • Real Stories from Real Women
  • Exercises to Make It Your Own

Why Paula Wrote This Book

At 55, Paula Swain found herself divorced and staring at a retirement plan in pieces. She had spent decades helping others with their finances, but now she had to rebuild her own from scratch.

"I've worked with women who rebuilt after financial ruin, started fresh after divorce, and learned to trust themselves again. I've seen transformations that would knock your socks off."

That experience changed everything. It became the foundation for the Financial Center for Women — a practice dedicated exclusively to helping women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s navigate midlife financial transitions.

This book is the culmination of that mission. It's the conversation Paula wishes she could have with every woman who's ever felt lost, behind, or overwhelmed by money.

Paula Swain, CFP® is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, host of the weekly show Unstoppable, and creator of Girl Talks — judgment-free money conversations for women.

Paula Swain, CFP®

What Makes This Book Different

 

Real Talk, Not Jargon

Written in plain language because retirement planning shouldn't require a translator.

 

Dreams First

Before we talk numbers, you'll design what you actually want your life to look like.

 

Actionable Exercises

Every chapter ends with reflection questions and take-action steps you can do right away.

 

Built for Women

Addresses the unique challenges women face: career breaks, pay gaps, divorce, and widowhood.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

It's not too late. You're not behind. And your best years can still be ahead of you.

Order on Amazon

Available in paperback and Kindle

Want to talk about what you've read? Have questions about your own retirement plan? Reach out to Paula.

© 2026 Financial Center for Women. All rights reserved.