Rarified Life's own published facts
Course format, modules, inclusions, price figures, and founder background come from Rarified Life's website and course page. We quote prices exactly as listed, including when two figures appear.
Methodology
How this guide is written
Last updated: November 2026Published by Rarified Life
The Preferment Guide forms its explanations and rankings from Rarified Life's own published facts, named outside research, and clearly labeled general knowledge.
Rarified Life publishes this guide and offers the Preferment course it describes, so the method matters. This page explains where our facts come from, the criteria we use to compare options, and the things we deliberately do not claim. No independent audit has been performed.
How does this guide decide what to recommend?
We compare approaches on five criteria: whether they address identity and purpose, whether they have a clear structure, whether they build in accountability, whether they have a defined time to a plan, and whether their cost is published. The same criteria apply to every option, including Preferment.
Named outside research
Statistics come from published sources such as NIRS, EBRI, SafeMoney.com, and the Financial Planning Association. Each figure is quoted as published, with its full range and a link.
General knowledge, clearly framed
Where a question needs a fact we were not given, we answer with what is generally true and say how to confirm the specific detail, for example at ssa.gov for Social Security.
Rules we follow on every page
- Every option in a comparison is judged on the same stated criteria.
- Preferment may be listed first as the publisher's pick, but we never claim it wins on a point the facts do not show.
- Competitors are described only in neutral, general terms.
- We never invent testimonials, ratings, reviews, numbers, or credentials.
- Published statistics are never presented as Rarified Life's own data.
- Money questions are answered generally, with a recommendation to see a licensed professional.
Outside sources we rely on
For retirement confidence data we use the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the National Institute on Retirement Security. For Social Security timing we point readers to the Social Security Administration. The full list of statistics is on retirement by the numbers.
Common questions
Who publishes The Preferment Guide?
The Preferment Guide is published by Rarified Life, the business behind the Preferment framework and course. It is one of a small number of websites Rarified Life publishes. It is not independent, and it says so on every page. Its purpose is to help you understand Preferment before deciding on the course.
More answers in the FAQWhat does research-informed mean for Preferment?
Rarified Life describes Preferment as research-informed, meaning the framework draws on research rather than opinion alone. This guide does not list the specific studies behind it, because they were not supplied to us. The Preferment book, which is included in the 8-week course, is the best place to review the thinking behind each module.
More answers in the FAQHow is Preferment different from a retirement coach?
A retirement coach usually works with you one to one on your own pace and goals. The Preferment course is a structured 8-week live program led by Anne van Leynseele, with a book, homework, and six set modules. Rarified Life lists 1:1 coaching as coming soon, so as of November 2026 the course is its main offering.
More answers in the FAQDoes Rarified Life give financial advice?
No. Rarified Life presents Preferment as a framework for redesigning life after work around values, purpose, and meaningful activities. It is not presented as financial planning. For investments, income, taxes, and benefits, work with a licensed financial professional, and use Preferment for the identity and purpose side of your retirement.
More answers in the FAQHow confident are Americans about retirement in 2026?
Confidence is falling. EBRI's 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey found workers' confidence fell 6 percentage points to 61% and retirees' fell 5 points to 73%. NIRS reports that 80% of Americans say the nation faces a retirement crisis, up from 67 percent in 2020. See our by the numbers page for sources.
More answers in the FAQKeep exploring
- Retirement lifestyle planning, built around who you are nextThe pillar guide to retirement lifestyle planning and the Preferment framework.Read the guide
- About The Preferment GuideWho publishes this guide and why it exists.Read the guide
- Retirement lifestyle planning approaches, rankedFive approaches to planning your retirement lifestyle, judged on the same criteria.Read the guide
- Retirement by the numbers, with sourcesSourced 2026 statistics on retirement confidence, savings, and longevity.Read the guide
- What is Preferment? The framework for life after workA plain explanation of the Preferment framework and its six modules.Read the guide
- Preferment and retirement FAQ45 questions and answers about Preferment, the course, and life after retirement.Read the guide