Interview with Marianne Oehser

Author of Your Happiness Portfolio for Retirement: It’s Not About the Money

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I grew up in Chicago and live in Huntsville, AL now.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

When I was 40, I “retired” the first time from United Airlines in Chicago and moved to Naples, FL where I lived for 31 years. Last year my husband and I decided it was time for a change besides, we missed the seasons. We chose Huntsville because it has four seasons — and a temperate winter. It is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains so it is beautiful here.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

A large and growing number of people need to hear my message. Everyday 10,000 people turn 65 and many of them retire around that age. Research tells us that 69% of people who retire face challenges adjusting to life after their careers. My book is about those challenges and how to overcome them. It is about how to flourish in this new chapter of our life.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My book is a road map to making retirement the best time of your life.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

This book is for men and women who are close to retiring or have left the career phase of their life within the past five years.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The most surprising thing I learned about writing my book was that I could do it! I never thought I’d write a book. The most unexpected thing was how much goes into marketing it.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Start marketing your book as soon as you start writing it.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Millions. We know that well over 2 million people a year face challenges adjusting to life after their career. I want to make a difference to as many of them as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge and frustration has been funding the marketing of my book.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest strength is having the depth of knowledge and understanding of what people are going through and the ability to help them.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is not being able to afford to hire experts to help me market my book.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I don’t have any plans for another book – though my husband is encouraging me to write one.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used a hybrid publisher — Balboa Press.