MONEY COACH + RETIREMENT STRATEGIST

Where money management meets retirement planning

Turn your money into a strategy for the retirement you want without giving up your lifestyle today

Money today. Retirement tomorrow.

You need a strategy for both.

If you're earning a good income and paying your bills, but still feel stuck…you're not alone.

You're doing what you know to do. But is it enough for retirement?

A lot of GenXers are responsible, hardworking, and doing what they know to do, yet they still feel like this:

You're trying to get better at budgeting, but somehow the money still disappears

You're paying down debt, but an unexpected expense sends you right back to the credit card

You're trying to save, but your savings never seem to stay put

You're doing the “right” things, but often wonder, Am I on track for retirement?

✦ And even when things are going okay, you want to enjoy your life now without constantly worrying that you're taking away from your future

This isn't about doing money the way you did in your 20s and 30s.

It's time to look at your money through a retirement lens and make it work for your lifestyle now, and your retirement later.

Female podcast host in light green shirt with blonde bob grins happily before desk mic and shelves.

Hi there, I’m Dalene,

I help women and couples over 40 get their money under control and build a retirement strategy that connects to how they live now.

I didn't learn this from a textbook. I spent 13 years building my own retirement plan from scratch, piece by piece, decision by decision, until I had something real: a strategy I trusted, built around a life I didn't have to give up. That process is what became the framework I use with clients today.

When retirement is 10–15 years away, the way you manage your money changes. It’s not about following generic rules or sacrificing your enjoyment today. It’s about knowing what matters most, what needs to change, and where your money can make the biggest difference.

Where we begin

Before we talk about saving more, paying off debt, or making big changes to your money, we need to know where you are today.

We’ll look at the numbers that matter: your income, expenses, debt, savings, and retirement accounts to understand your current financial picture and what’s really happening with your money.

Then we build the systems that give you a simple way to manage your money and stay in control as we dive into strategy.

What We’ll Work Through Together

From systems to strategy

Once we understand your money and have a system in place, we can stop reacting to what happens and start making intentional decisions about what happens next.

This is where we connect your money today to the life you want both before and during retirement. Your money needs a purpose.

We’ll personalize your strategy using the Retirement Progress Levers™️ savings, debt, expenses, or a combination of the three. The goal isn’t to do everything at once. It’s to identify the strategies that make the most sense for your situation.

Retirement Ready Framework

Money Reality
Know your numbers.
Understand where you stand today.

Money Systems
Build the structure.
Create a simple way to manage your money and stay on track.

Retirement Strategy
Make the moves.
Use savings, debt, and expenses to create retirement progress.

  • "Dalene is so wonderful. She’s patient and understanding and really helps to find clarity when it comes to finances. I’m grateful I have found her!"

    —Kerry

  • “If you’re feeling lost or frustrated with how you’ve been managing money, give this a try. Dalene is patient, knowledgeable, and her system just works. We’re finally planning for the future together.”

    —Erin & Ron

  • "So glad I did my work up with you!! I went from paycheck-to-paycheck and making minimum payments on my credit cards to paying off $5k of debt and saving $2500 in 3 months!"

    —Beth

  • “Dalene has helped me to view our finances in a totally different way that supports having a "budget" and stewarding our money better without so much loose spending while not actually having to have a strict budget and track all expenses."

    —Angela

Is This Right For You?

✅ This is for you if…

  • You’re tired of wondering whether you should pay off debt, save, or what is the next best step.

  • You’ve tried budgeting before, but it never quite connects to your bigger financial goals.

  • You’re ready to finally know your numbers and understand what they’re actually telling you.

  • You’re motivated to make changes and don’t want to make the wrong move.

This is not for you if…

  • You’re looking for a magic pill or a quick fix that doesn’t require any effort on your part.

  • You’re not ready to face your current financial reality or take a hard look at your numbers.

  • You’re not ready to take action, even on small, meaningful steps that move your money forward.

How You Get Started

From your first conversation to ongoing coaching, here’s how we’ll work together:

Step 1 - Start With a Conversation

We'll talk through where you are and what you're trying to solve, and I'll tell you honestly whether I can help. You'll also get a clear picture of what working together actually looks like.

Step 2 - Strategy Session

If accepted, you'll book a 2-hour session. Together, we'll dig into your numbers, your goals, and your priorities, so you walk away knowing exactly what needs to change and what's already working.

Step 3 - Retirement Ready Coaching

Whether 1:1 or group coaching, we'll create systems and strategies to help you take the guesswork out of your money, build proof you're on track, and make your next move with clarity.

Your Retirement Strategy Starts With One Call

Retirement is still possible, and you don't have to give up your life today to get there. It starts with one conversation.

Retirement Ready Hub for GenXers

Join the community to learn how to become retirement ready. I will also help you learn how to accelerate your retirement progress through intentional financial decisions and focused progress levers.

Weekly I share trainings and discussions around current industry ideas that may or may not help you make the progress you need.

Wealthy After 40 Podcast

Cover art for the Wealthy After Forty podcast hosted by Dalene Higgins, showing a smiling blonde woman in green top on light green background with microphone icon.

The podcast for Gen X women and couples who want to feel confident and clear about how to retire, even if you’re starting late or feel behind on your retirement savings.

Each week, you’ll get step-by-step guidance for retirement planning, smart budgeting strategies, and realistic ways to grow your savings, both your emergency fund and retirement savings, without overwhelm.

If you’re ready to stop stressing about money, build a financial plan you trust, and create a future you’re excited about, this podcast is for you.

Join me every Tuesday for a new episode supporting you in reaching retirement!

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